Family Communication: Relationship Foundations

Edition: 2

Copyright: 2021

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$48.30

ISBN 9781792466328

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The definition of what a “family” is has changed dramatically over the past few decades….

Family Communication: Relationship Foundations features traditional as well as emerging diverse family types in the application and analysis of communication theories and concepts. From acknowledging the influence of family diversity to exploring the challenges presented by new technologies, this text provides a framework for describing, analyzing and strategizing for effective communication.

Designed for both undergraduate and graduate-level family communication courses, the new second edition of Family Communication: Relationship Foundations:

  • focuses on the evolution of communication phenomenon from a variety of perspectives - parent/child, sibling, and grandparent/grandchild.
  • includes unique case studies of family communication throughout the lifespan to explicate theories and concepts.
  • incorporates application-based exercises to assist the reader in identifying ways to integrate and use the concepts to enhance his/her own family relationships.
  • encourages the reader to begin his/her journey by identifying their own family type and structure and exploring the influence of their family of origin in shaping current communication behaviors. 
  • engages the reader by integrating popular culture examples drawing on the portrayals of family interactions in movies and on television.

Preface
About the Authors

CHAPTER 1 What Is Family Communication?
Family Checkup
Introduction
Conceptual Foundations of Family Communication
Defining Communication
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Family Interactions
Relationship between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Factors That Impact Family Communication
Family Environments
Family Roles
Family Rules
Family Communication Patterns
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 2 What Is “Family”?: Exploring Diverse Family Types
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is a Family?
Defining Family
General Family Types
Closed Families
Open Families
Random Families
Family Structures
Nuclear Families
Extended Families
Single-Parent and Childless Families
Stepfamilies / Blended Families
Adoptive and Foster Care Families
Gay and Lesbian Families
Family Cohesion 
Disengaged Families
Separated Families
Connected Families
Enmeshed Families
Marital Relationship Types
Traditional Marital Type
Independent Marital Type
Separate Marital Type
Mixed Marital Type
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 3 Why Does My Family Communicate This Way?: Theories of Family Communication
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is Theory?
Functions of Theory
Theories Commonly Used in Family Communication Research
Family Systems Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Attachment Theory
Symbolic Interactionism
Relational Dialectics Theory
Narrative Theory
Rules Theory
Social Cognitive Theory
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 4 Games Families Play: Power and Discipline in the Family Dynamic
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is Power?
Power as a Relational Concept
French and Raven’s Power Bases
Compliance Gaining in Families
Levels of Influence
Family Rules
Discipline in Families
Parenting Styles
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Chilling Effect
Resource Theory of Family Power
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 5 Dark Side of Family Communication: Conflict and Violent Communication in Families
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is Conflict?
Is All Conflict Bad? Functional vs. Dysfunctional Conflict
Sibling Conflict
Sibling Relational Maintenance Strategies
Managing Conflict
Family Violence
What Happens Next?: Family Forgiveness
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 6 Culture and Family Communication
Family Checkup
Introduction
Types of Diversity
Cultural Diversity and Family Communication
Impact of Generational Differences on Family Life
Culture, Language, and Nonverbal Communication
Cultural Orientations
Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures
High vs. Low Power Distance
High-Context vs. Low-Context Cultures
Masculine vs. Feminine Cultures
High vs. Low Uncertainty Avoidance
Sex, Gender, and Family Communication
Family Culture
Types of Family Stories
Reasons for Sharing Family Stories
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 7 Let’s Talk About Stress: Family Responses to Challenging Situations
Family Checkup
Introduction
Stress Defined
Classifications of Stress
ABC-X Model of Stress
Stressors (A)
Resources Available (B)
Perception of the Stressor (C)
Crisis (X)
Double ABC-X Model
Pile-Up (Aa)
Existing and New Resources (Bb)
Perception of the Stressor (Cc)
Adaptation (Xx)
Systems Theory and the ABC-X Model
Infertility and Adoption
Stepfamily Interactions
Illness and Death
Coping with Stress
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 8 Technology and Family Communication
Family Checkup
Introduction
Case in Point: Impact of Technology on Family Mealtimes
Agenda Setting
Priming
Framing
Social Learning Theory
Introducing Families to New Technologies
Diffusion of Innovation
Innovators
Early Majority
Laggards
Families and Cell Phones
Monitoring via Cell Phones
Families, Screen Time, & Television Viewing
Cultivation Theory
Television Family Portrayals Through the Decades
Portrayal of Family and Social Roles Online and on Television
Television’s Portrayal of Family Conflict
Knowledge-Gap Hypothesis
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 9 Balancing Work and Family
Family Checkup
Introduction
The Relationship between the Family and the Workplace
Family Socialization through Work Messages
Mothers: Balancing Work & Family Identities
Fathers: Balancing Work & Family Identities
Balancing Work and Family Relationships
Workplace Policies Impacting Families
Communicative Strategies to Manage Work-Life Balance
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 10 Family Communication Applied: Special Family Contexts
Family Checkup
Introduction
Children with Disabilities
Adoption
Co-Parenting
The “C” Word: Cancer and Disease in the Family
The Listening Process
Death and Family Communication
Family Crime
Concluding Thoughts: Family Communication Is Not Always Easy
Not All Families Are the Same
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

Glossary

Index

Candice Thomas-Maddox

Candice Thomas-Maddox, Ed.D. (West Virginia University) is Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University Lancaster. She has taught the Intro to Human Communication class for the past 16 years, in addition to teaching classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels in organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, and family communication. Candice has received a variety of teaching awards including the ECA Ecroyd Teaching Award, ECA Teaching Fellows honor, OUL Professor of the Year, and Ohio University’s RHE Outstanding Professor Award. She served as President for the Eastern Communication Association in 2010 and for the Ohio Communication Association from 2006-2008, and she also served as Executive Director for both organizations. Previous co-authored textbooks that Candice has published with Kendall Hunt include Interpersonal Communication: Building Rewarding Relationships and Family Communication: Relationship Foundations. She is also the co-author of Quantitative Research Methods for Communication: A Hands-On Approach.

Nicole Blau


cNicole Blau (Ph.D., University of Kentucky) is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University, Lancaster. Dr. Blau’s research may be found in Communication Quarterly, Journal of Health Communication, Ohio Communication Journal and the Florida Communication Journal. She is also a co-author of Family Communication: Relationship Foundations. Dr. Blau enjoys teaching group communication and working on research that examines the interpersonal nature of groups.

The definition of what a “family” is has changed dramatically over the past few decades….

Family Communication: Relationship Foundations features traditional as well as emerging diverse family types in the application and analysis of communication theories and concepts. From acknowledging the influence of family diversity to exploring the challenges presented by new technologies, this text provides a framework for describing, analyzing and strategizing for effective communication.

Designed for both undergraduate and graduate-level family communication courses, the new second edition of Family Communication: Relationship Foundations:

  • focuses on the evolution of communication phenomenon from a variety of perspectives - parent/child, sibling, and grandparent/grandchild.
  • includes unique case studies of family communication throughout the lifespan to explicate theories and concepts.
  • incorporates application-based exercises to assist the reader in identifying ways to integrate and use the concepts to enhance his/her own family relationships.
  • encourages the reader to begin his/her journey by identifying their own family type and structure and exploring the influence of their family of origin in shaping current communication behaviors. 
  • engages the reader by integrating popular culture examples drawing on the portrayals of family interactions in movies and on television.

Preface
About the Authors

CHAPTER 1 What Is Family Communication?
Family Checkup
Introduction
Conceptual Foundations of Family Communication
Defining Communication
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Family Interactions
Relationship between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Factors That Impact Family Communication
Family Environments
Family Roles
Family Rules
Family Communication Patterns
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 2 What Is “Family”?: Exploring Diverse Family Types
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is a Family?
Defining Family
General Family Types
Closed Families
Open Families
Random Families
Family Structures
Nuclear Families
Extended Families
Single-Parent and Childless Families
Stepfamilies / Blended Families
Adoptive and Foster Care Families
Gay and Lesbian Families
Family Cohesion 
Disengaged Families
Separated Families
Connected Families
Enmeshed Families
Marital Relationship Types
Traditional Marital Type
Independent Marital Type
Separate Marital Type
Mixed Marital Type
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 3 Why Does My Family Communicate This Way?: Theories of Family Communication
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is Theory?
Functions of Theory
Theories Commonly Used in Family Communication Research
Family Systems Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Attachment Theory
Symbolic Interactionism
Relational Dialectics Theory
Narrative Theory
Rules Theory
Social Cognitive Theory
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 4 Games Families Play: Power and Discipline in the Family Dynamic
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is Power?
Power as a Relational Concept
French and Raven’s Power Bases
Compliance Gaining in Families
Levels of Influence
Family Rules
Discipline in Families
Parenting Styles
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Chilling Effect
Resource Theory of Family Power
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 5 Dark Side of Family Communication: Conflict and Violent Communication in Families
Family Checkup
Introduction
What Is Conflict?
Is All Conflict Bad? Functional vs. Dysfunctional Conflict
Sibling Conflict
Sibling Relational Maintenance Strategies
Managing Conflict
Family Violence
What Happens Next?: Family Forgiveness
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 6 Culture and Family Communication
Family Checkup
Introduction
Types of Diversity
Cultural Diversity and Family Communication
Impact of Generational Differences on Family Life
Culture, Language, and Nonverbal Communication
Cultural Orientations
Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures
High vs. Low Power Distance
High-Context vs. Low-Context Cultures
Masculine vs. Feminine Cultures
High vs. Low Uncertainty Avoidance
Sex, Gender, and Family Communication
Family Culture
Types of Family Stories
Reasons for Sharing Family Stories
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 7 Let’s Talk About Stress: Family Responses to Challenging Situations
Family Checkup
Introduction
Stress Defined
Classifications of Stress
ABC-X Model of Stress
Stressors (A)
Resources Available (B)
Perception of the Stressor (C)
Crisis (X)
Double ABC-X Model
Pile-Up (Aa)
Existing and New Resources (Bb)
Perception of the Stressor (Cc)
Adaptation (Xx)
Systems Theory and the ABC-X Model
Infertility and Adoption
Stepfamily Interactions
Illness and Death
Coping with Stress
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 8 Technology and Family Communication
Family Checkup
Introduction
Case in Point: Impact of Technology on Family Mealtimes
Agenda Setting
Priming
Framing
Social Learning Theory
Introducing Families to New Technologies
Diffusion of Innovation
Innovators
Early Majority
Laggards
Families and Cell Phones
Monitoring via Cell Phones
Families, Screen Time, & Television Viewing
Cultivation Theory
Television Family Portrayals Through the Decades
Portrayal of Family and Social Roles Online and on Television
Television’s Portrayal of Family Conflict
Knowledge-Gap Hypothesis
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 9 Balancing Work and Family
Family Checkup
Introduction
The Relationship between the Family and the Workplace
Family Socialization through Work Messages
Mothers: Balancing Work & Family Identities
Fathers: Balancing Work & Family Identities
Balancing Work and Family Relationships
Workplace Policies Impacting Families
Communicative Strategies to Manage Work-Life Balance
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

CHAPTER 10 Family Communication Applied: Special Family Contexts
Family Checkup
Introduction
Children with Disabilities
Adoption
Co-Parenting
The “C” Word: Cancer and Disease in the Family
The Listening Process
Death and Family Communication
Family Crime
Concluding Thoughts: Family Communication Is Not Always Easy
Not All Families Are the Same
Summary
Let’s Review
Key Concept
References

Glossary

Index

Candice Thomas-Maddox

Candice Thomas-Maddox, Ed.D. (West Virginia University) is Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University Lancaster. She has taught the Intro to Human Communication class for the past 16 years, in addition to teaching classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels in organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, and family communication. Candice has received a variety of teaching awards including the ECA Ecroyd Teaching Award, ECA Teaching Fellows honor, OUL Professor of the Year, and Ohio University’s RHE Outstanding Professor Award. She served as President for the Eastern Communication Association in 2010 and for the Ohio Communication Association from 2006-2008, and she also served as Executive Director for both organizations. Previous co-authored textbooks that Candice has published with Kendall Hunt include Interpersonal Communication: Building Rewarding Relationships and Family Communication: Relationship Foundations. She is also the co-author of Quantitative Research Methods for Communication: A Hands-On Approach.

Nicole Blau


cNicole Blau (Ph.D., University of Kentucky) is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University, Lancaster. Dr. Blau’s research may be found in Communication Quarterly, Journal of Health Communication, Ohio Communication Journal and the Florida Communication Journal. She is also a co-author of Family Communication: Relationship Foundations. Dr. Blau enjoys teaching group communication and working on research that examines the interpersonal nature of groups.