|
Table 7.1 Family Communication Qualities
|
| Communication Standard |
Examples |
| Openness |
- Being able to talk when something is wrong
- Talking about sensitive issues like sex or drugs
- Sharing feelings
|
| Structural stability |
- Having at least one person in the family whom everyone listens to and obeys
- Dealing with emotional issues only when everyone can handle them
|
| Affection |
- Being loving and affectionate with one another
- Saying affectionate things like “I love you”
|
| Emotional and instrumental support |
- Helping each other
- Being able to count on each other
- Knowing support will be there
|
| Mind reading |
- Knowing what’s going on with each other without asking
- Understanding how the other feels without discussing it
|
| Politeness |
- Never being rude or inconsiderate
- Not talking back
|
| Discipline |
- Having clear rules for family members
- Knowing that there are consequences for breaking family rules
|
| Humor or sarcasm |
- Being able to tease other family members
- Poking fun at each other
|
| Regular routine interaction |
- Meeting regularly to discuss things
- Setting aside time to communicate
|
| Avoidance |
- Avoiding topics that are too personal
- Agreeing to skirt issues that are painful
|
Dr. John Caughlin at the University of Illinois conducted three studies of 1,023 undergraduate students and found that people generally agree that these ten qualities constitute “excellent family communication” (2003).