Family Communication

The fourth edition of this textbook provides a thoroughly updated and comprehensive introduction to contemporary and classic research, theories of family communication, and family relationships. It is an ideal text for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses in family studies and professionals who work with families.

List of contents

Part I: Introducing Family Communication and Basic Family Processes 1. Defining Family Communication and Family Functioning 2. Theoretical Perspectives on Family Communication 3. Family Discourse and Identity: Stories, Secrets, and Rituals 4. Family Communication Patterns and Processes: Power, Decision Making, and Conflict Part II: Communication in Family Subsystems 5. Romantic Relationship Development and Mate Selection 6. Marriage and Committed Relationships 7. Parent-Child Communication 8. Sibling Communication 9. Extended Family Relationships Part III: Communication during Family Stress 10. Models of Family Stress and Coping 11. Normative and Nonnormative Family Stressors 12. Divorce 13. Renegotiating Family Communication: Remarriage and Stepfamilies Part IV: Family Interaction, Health, and Well-Being 14. Family Interaction and Mental Health 15. Family Interaction and Physical Health 16. Family Violence and Abuse

About the author

Chris Segrin is Steve and Nancy Lynn Professor of Communication and Communication Department head at The University of Arizona. His research is on interpersonal relationships and mental health and can be found in journals such as Human Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Family Relations, Journal of Family Psychology, and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. This research has been funded by the American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the Livestrong Foundation.
Jeanne Flora is Professor of Communication Studies at New Mexico State University. Her research and teaching focuses on interpersonal and family relationships, with an emphasis on relationship development and maintenance. Her research can be found in journals such as Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Journal of Family Psychology, Journal of Family Communication, and Human Communication Research.

Product details

• Authors: Flora Jeanne, Chris (University of Arizona Segrin, Segrin Chris
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 16.09.2025
• EAN: 9781032228303
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3222830-3
• No. of pages: 592
• Series: Routledge Communication Series
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Social sciences, law, business > Media, communication > Communication science; History, Media Studies, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / General, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Communication Studies, PSYCHOLOGY / Interpersonal Relations, Family psychology, Psychotherapy, Humanities, Social welfare & social services, Sociology: family & relationships, Child & developmental psychology, Social, group or collective psychology, Communication Studies, Child, developmental and lifespan psychology, Social welfare and social services, Sociology: family and relationships, Groups & group theory, Groups and group theory