Children's Awareness of Parental Communication based on Marital Status and its Placement in Family Communication Patterns Theory

Abstract

Family Communication Patterns Theory (FCPT) plays a foundational role in most research on communication within familial dynamics; however, research on dynamics outside the nuclear family type and their placement within FCPT is sparse. This theory has practical implications and usage if applied to different familial systems and marital statuses, as argued by this thesis. Of the 6 hypotheses proposed in this study, 4 focus on a child's awareness of conflict communication between their parents, and the other 2 aim to answer questions about the different familial classifications/types found in single-parent families. Many use the variables of communication and conformity, which form the basis of the FCPT model. Thus, showing the possibility of expanding the model to include those from non-nuclear families while still using the same factors. The responses of 68 participants (N=68) were processed and analyzed in SPSS statistical software (Version #31). While none of the results were significant, over half reported moderate, positive coloration, suggesting potential relationships among the selected variables if a larger sample size were available. The discussion examines the theoretical and practical implications of this study for future parents and children who experience divorce/separation or a dramatic change in family dynamics. Future research is also discussed in terms of providing knowledge to help better this traumatic event with as few repercussions as possible for those involved.