Family communication patterns, sex of subject, and communication competence

Author: Koesten, Joy

Source: Communication Monographs, Volume 71, Number 2, June 2004 , pp. 226-244(19)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Two hundred ninety-nine subjects completed the Revised Family Communication Patterns instrument (Ritchie & Fitzpatrick, 1990) and the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ; Buhrmester, Furman, Wittenberg, & Reis, 1988). Results indicate that both family communication patterns and sex of subject influence the ability to enact certain communication skills in both same-sex friendships and romantic partnerships. Those growing up in a strong conversation-oriented family are more likely to report the ability to enact a greater number of interpersonal skills in both types of relationships. Women were more likely to report the ability to self-disclose in a same-sex friendship; however, a family communication environment that stresses a lower conversation orientation (consensual) diminishes the likelihood of acquiring that skill for women. Women were also more likely to report being able to offer emotional support in both same-sex friendships and romantic partnerships. Men were more likely to report being able to assert themselves negatively in a same-sex friendship, and to self-disclose and manage conflict in a romantic partnership. Additionally, this study found that men and women employ different communication skills depending on the sex of their relational partner. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Keywords: Family Communication; Sex Differences; Communication Competence; Relational Competence

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0363775052000343417

Publication date: 2004-06-01