Parents’ Influences on Children’s Face-to-Face and Technologically Mediated Communication Competence: The Role of Family Communication Patterns

• In Event: Top Four Papers in Interpersonal Communication

Abstract

This study examined parents’ influences on young adults’ communication competence in the contexts of face-to-face (FtF) and technologically mediated communication (TMC). Analyzing self-report data of 104 parent-child dyads, we investigated the associations between parents’ and children’s communication competence and the role of family communication patterns in parental socialization of communication competence. Specifically, we considered two aspects of competence: effectiveness and appropriateness. Results show that parent self-reported FtF communication appropriateness was directly associated with child self-reported FtF and TMC appropriateness. Children’s perceptions of conversation orientation were positively associated with their self-reported FtF and TMC effectiveness. Finally, parents’ perceptions of conformity orientation were positively linked to children’s self-reported FtF communication appropriateness. These findings highlight that parental influences may manifest through different mechanisms for children’s communication effectiveness and appropriateness. Further, our results indicate that parents play a role in children’s development of communication skills not only in FtF interactions, but also in TMC.

Authors

• Ningxin Wang, Bloomsburg U of Pennsylvania

• David Roaché, U of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

• Kimberly B Pusateri, Northwestern U School of Communication