Family Communication

The fourth edition of this textbook provides a thoroughly updated and comprehensive introduction to contemporary and classic research and theories of family communication and family relationships. In a language that is understandable to a broad range of readers, this book imparts what is known about family communication from the most current and highest quality research that is available from around the world. The authors bring the perspective of active researchers who strive to stay current on the latest research in the communication field as well as in allied disciplines. New to this edition: - Research on how couples foster intimacy and maintain their relationships. - Parenting styles that are associated with the best child outcomes. - How family interaction is related to mental and physical health. - Findings on recently studied issues such as the so-called gray divorce trend and effects of technology or the COVID-19 pandemic on family ties. This is an ideal text for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses in family communication and family studies, while professionals who work with families and wish to be apprised of the latest research will also find this text useful. This edition provides instructors and students with a rich set of gratis online resources including a research methods appendix, PowerPoint lecture slides, chapter guides, a sample syllabus, and suggested additional readings and media resources. Please visit www.routledge.com/9781032228334.

Chris Segrin is Steve and Nancy Lynn Professor of Communication and Communication Department head at The University of Arizona. His research is on interpersonal relationships and mental health and can be found in journals such as Human Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Family Relations, Journal of Family Psychology, and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. This research has been funded by the American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the Livestrong Foundation. Jeanne Flora is Professor of Communication Studies at New Mexico State University. Her research and teaching focuses on interpersonal and family relationships, with an emphasis on relationship development and maintenance. Her research can be found in journals such as the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Journal of Family Psychology, Journal of Family Communication, and Human Communication Research.

Part I: Introducing Family Communication and Basic Family Processes 1. Defining Family Communication and Family Functioning 2. Theoretical Perspectives on Family Communication 3. Family Discourse and Identity: Stories, Secrets, and Rituals 4. Family Communication Patterns and Processes: Power, Decision Making, and Conflict Part II: Communication in Family Subsystems 5. Romantic Relationship Development and Mate Selection 6. Marriage and Committed Relationships 7. Parent-Child Communication 8. Sibling Communication 9. Extended Family Relationships Part III: Communication during Family Stress 10. Models of Family Stress and Coping 11. Normative and Nonnormative Family Stressors 12. Divorce 13. Renegotiating Family Communication: Remarriage and Stepfamilies Part IV: Family Interaction, Health, and Well-Being 14. Family Interaction and Mental Health 15. Family Interaction and Physical Health 16. Family Violence and Abuse