Family Communication Patterns

Protective Family Example

"Children should be seen not heard"

Protective Families & Conflicts

Avoid conflict b/c it threatens conformity lack the skills to manage conflict constructively

Example of Pluralistic Family

Parents asking for child's opinion regarding a family decision: "Where would you like to go for spring break?"

Example of Consensual Family

Parents encourage child to share his thoughts: "What do you think we should do for dinner?" -but then make it clear that only one perspective (the parent's) is acceptable

Example of Laissez-Faire Family

Regina George & her mom in Mean Girls

Pluralistic Family Description

communicate in open & unconstrained ways don't try to control other family member's beliefs Children's contributions are seen as relevant & valid

Consensual Family Description

conversations are open but constrained high level of disclosure expected to firmly share a single view-point parents are authoritative and controlling

Pluralistic Families & Conflict

deal directly with conflict in productive & beneficial ways may make official times to vent highest rate of conflict resolution

Laissez-Faire Family Description

few emotional bonds; low levels of caring, concern, and support expressed lack of interaction = detachment kids are independent thinkers & decision makers b/c of parental disinterest

Consensual Family Orientations

high level of conversation high level of conformity

Pluralistic Family Orientations

high level of conversation, low level of conformity

Protective Family Orientations

low level of conversation high level of conformity

Laissez-Faire Family Orientations

low level of conversation low level of conformity

Protective Family Description

low levels of disclosure maintain obedience & enforce family norms through communication firm parent-child power differences; children are expected to obey

Consensual Families & Conflict

perceive conflict as threatening address conflict as it occurs & seek to resolve it as constructively as possible to preserve the family unit

Laissez-Faire Families & Conflict

rarely experience conflict b/c they do not interact frequently