Let's Chat: The Effects of Family Communication on Adolescent Psychological Adjustment and Risk-Taking Behaviors

• In Event: Family Communication Patterns and Narratives

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate that family conversation and conformity orientation and parental hostility are correlated with core psychological adjustment variables (including anxiety, depression, self-esteem) and important behavioral outcomes for adolescents (including eating disorders; alcohol, smoking, and drug use, and sexual risk taking). Methodology and results are discussed as are implications for families and the field of family communication research. Future studies are also proposed.

Authors

• Alyssa Isaacs, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

• Ascan Koerner, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

• Heidi Croatt, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities