Family Communication Influences in the Academic Context

Abstract

As part of an undergraduate family communication course, four students are tasked with completing an oral in-class presentation about their family communication patterns. According to family communication patterns theory (FCPT), families have a level of conversation orientation and a level of conformity orientation. These two orientations intersect to form four family types: protective, consensual, pluralistic, and laissez-faire. In this case study, these four students (i.e., Stephanie, Jack, Becky, and Nathan) discuss their respective families and the communication within their families as it relates to the two orientations and four family types. Following their presentations, each of the students have a one-on-one conversation with their instructor, Dr. Garcia, about how their family communication patterns affect their communication with others and their communication in the classroom. Through their conversation with Dr. Garcia and through self-reflection, the four students are able to recognize the influence of family communication patterns on their own communication patterns with individuals outside the family unit.