Initiating and avoiding communication with mothers: young adult children's perceptions of hurtfulness and affirming styles

• Kennedy-Lightsey, Carrie D. ^[1] ; Dillow, Megan R. ^[2]
  1. [1] Texas State University–San Marcos

     Texas State University–San Marcos

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] West Virginia University

     West Virginia University

     Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Southern communication journal, ISSN 1041-794X, Vol. 76, nº 5, 2001, págs. 482-501
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This study examined young adults' perceptions of their mothers' communication and their initiated and avoided communication with their mothers. Guided by Interaction Adaptation Theory (Burgoon, Stern, & Dillman, 1995), young adults (N = 206) reported on frequency of mothers' hurtful messages, mothers' affirming style, hurt feelings, desires for closeness, and communication and relational satisfaction. Results revealed that females who received hurtful messages less frequently were more satisfied, as were young adults who perceived their mothers as more affirming. Relational satisfaction was a positive predictor of communication initiation, and degree of hurtfulness was positively related to communication initiation for females only. Communication satisfaction was a negative predictor of communication avoidance, and attentive communicator style was a positive predictor of communication avoidance. The study's findings indicate support for contentions that mothers should be conscious not only of what they say but how they say it. Moreover, researchers should continue to explore Interaction Adaptation Theory in existing relationships and with regard to negative relational events.