Main theoretical models on family communication
The importance of family for healthy socio-emotional development in childhood and adolescence is undeniable. Communication plays a vital role in family relationships : it is the primary tool for managing everyday situations, meeting basic needs, expressing ideas and opinions, making decisions, reaching agreements, and even reviewing and adapting the family's own rules.
Research on family communication and its influence on adolescent development has been based primarily on two theoretical models: the parenting styles model and the family communication patterns model.
In this section we add a third theoretical model that provides a useful view on the use of communication in interpersonal conflicts: the conflict resolution styles model.
The theory of parenting styles
This theory takes into account the strategies parents use to supervise and socialize their children. For its study, the research has focused on two major, theoretically independent dimensions: responsiveness (involvement/acceptance) and demandingness (severity/imposition), which define parental behavior.
- Responsiveness refers to the degree to which parents are emotionally involved in the socialization of their children by showing them affection, offering their support, and communicating with them using reason when they behave inappropriately.
- The demanding dimension refers to the degree to which parents act in a strict and imposing manner to establish limits on their behavior and thus impose their authority.
| Authoritarian | Democratic |
|---|---|
It is characterized by high rigidity and a great use of control and demands, as well as a lack of affection and communication in relationships with their children. They perceive obedience as a virtue and punishment is considered the main measure of behavior modification. These are controlling parents, prone to punishment, and who provide little support to their children. | Parents with this style tend to be firm and set limits, but they also provide support and affection to their children. They try to guide the child's behavior through mutual respect and recognition, showing interest in meeting the needs of their children and recognizing and respecting the individuality and rights of minors. They usually explain the consequences of negative behavior instead of applying punishments and use positive reinforcement for behaviors to be increased. |
| Negligent | Indulgent |
|---|---|
Parents with this style exhibit low levels of affection and communication, as well as a lack of control over their children's expectations. They are passive, with no rules or affection. They are indifferent to their children's needs. There is no emotional involvement whatsoever. These parents are not involved in raising their children and, therefore, do not provide their children with the necessary support or guidance. | This style is characterized by high levels in the dimension of affection and involvement, as well as low levels in terms of control mechanisms and demands. Parents with this style try to protect their children from all harm, exhibiting an overprotective approach with little discipline. They are overly flexible with routines, habits, and schedules, maintaining little control over their children and easily giving in to their wishes. The children grow up without rules or guidelines for behavior. |
The theory of family communication patterns
Koerner and Fitzpatrick (2002) posit that it is within the family that relational schemas develop: stable and predictable modes of communication that establish our communication expectations. This is the theory of family communication patterns.
To define the typologies of family communication patterns, Koerner and Fitzpatrick (2002) use two central dimensions of family functioning:
- Conversation orientation: the degree to which families create a climate that encourages their members to participate freely in interactions.
- Conformity orientation: the degree to which family communication promotes homogeneity in attitudes, values, and beliefs.
The theory of conflict resolution styles
Conflicts are a normal part of family life. Depending on the strategies used to resolve them, they can be opportunities for personal growth and strengthened family relationships, or they can lead to increasing family distress.
Kurdek (1994) defined four main styles of conflict resolution:
- Positive resolution/negotiation: Based on understanding the other's position and using constructive reasoning tactics to reach compromises and negotiate.
- Confrontational style: Focusing on oneself without taking the other into account, involves verbally abusive behavior, being defensive, attacking the other and loss of self-control.
- Withdrawal style: Characterized by rejection or avoidance of the problem, refusing to talk or withdrawing from the place.
- Submissive style: Accepting the other's solution without defending one's own position.
This is an original article from the Escola de Salut de l'Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona . For more information on family communication, please consult the 12th FAROS Report "A look at the mental health of adolescents - Keys to understanding and supporting them."
Featuring
