Family Communication

by Segrin; Chris

• ISBN13: 9780805847970
• ISBN10: 0805847979
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-08-24
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbau

Summary

This advanced text carefully examines state-of-the-art research and theories of family communication and family relationships. In addition to presenting cutting-edge research, authors Chris Segrin and Jeanne Flora focus on classic theories and research findings that have influenced and revolutionized the way scholars conceptualize family interaction. Showing that answers to many questions about family communication can be found in current scientific research, the book introduces readers to fundamental issues in the study of family communication; explores what is known about communication in different types of families and family relationships; and examines problematic issues in family communication. Family Communicationoffers a thorough and up-to-date presentation of scientific research in family communication for students and teachers of family communication, as well as professionals who work with families. Undergraduate readers will find the text to be accessible, engaging and easy to understand while graduate students and professionals will utilize the work as a comprehensive reference to classic and contemporary research on family communication and relationships.

Author Biography

Chris Segrin is a behavioral scientist whose research interests focus on interpersonal and family relationships and their association with various mental health problems. He is Professor of Communication, with appointments in Family Studies and Psychology, at the University of Arizona, where he is also Head of the Communication Department. He teaches courses on interpersonal, family, and nonverbal communication, as well as research methods and statistics.
Professor Segrin is presently the editor of Communication Theory and author of the book Interpersonal Processes in Psychological Problems. His research can be found in journals such as Human Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Family Communication, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, and Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. Professor Segrin is presently engaged in NIH funded research on martial communication patterns and depression among women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Jeanne Flora is Associate Professor of Speech Communication at the University of La Verne, where she also chairs the Speech Communication Department. Professor Flora's primary research interests include romantic relationship development and maintenance. Her research can be found in journals such as Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Journal of Family Psychology, Journal of Family Communication, and Human Communication Research. Professor Flora teaches courses in interpersonal, family, and intercultural communication, as well as communication theory. She has worked to develop new courses in family communication at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
I: INTRODUCING FAMILY COMMUNICATION AND BASIC FAMILY PROCESSES
1 Defining Family Communication and Family Functioning	3	(24)
2 Theoretical Perspectives on Family Communication	27	(24)
3 Family Interaction Patterns: Norms and Networks, Routines and Rituals, Stories and Secrets	51	(24)
4 Family Interaction Processes: Power, Decision Making, Conflict, and Intimacy	75	(28)
II: COMMUNICATION IN FAMILY SUBSYSTEMS
5 Courtship and Mate Selection	103	(27)
6 Marriage and Intimate Partnerships	130	(27)
7 Parent-Child Communication	157	(24)
8 Sibling and Extended Family Relationships	181	(26)
III: COMMUNICATION DURING FAMILY STRESS
9 Models of Family Stress and Coping	207	(23)
10 Normative and Nonnormative Family Stressors	230	(23)
11 Divorce	253	(22)
12 Renegotiating Family Communication: Remarriage and Stepfamilies	275	(26)
IV: FAMILY INTERACTION, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING
13 Family Interaction and Mental Health	301	(23)
14 Family Interaction and Physical Health	324	(22)
15 Family Violence and Abuse	346	(24)
16 Improving Family Communication and Family Relationships	370	(21)
Appendix	391	(18)
References	409	(60)
Author Index	469	(22)
Subject Index	491