Family Communication

"Family Communication offers a thorough and up-to-date presentation of scientific research in family communication for students and teachers of family communication, as well as professionals who work with families."—Family Therapy"...an intriguing book filled with an integration of current research findings from various disciplines on all aspects of family communication. A very thorough reference section adds scholarly value to the text. Segrin and Flora provide us with an exceptional overview of family communications. The beginning student and experienced clinician would benefit by reading the text. It is the best book on family communication....easy to read, informative, and exceptionally stimulating."—The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families"The text integrates classic and historical research with current and cutting edge research on families, and the result is...comprehensive. One would be hard pressed to find a line of research relevant to families that is not at least referred to here."—Benjamin R. KarneyUniversity of Florida"The scope and detail in each chapter is very impressive. The literature reviewed is...very up to date. I found the writing accessible and clear....This is clearly a high quality piece of scholarship....It is appropriate for an advanced undergraduate course or introductory master's class."—John CaughlinUniversity of Illinois

• Contents: Preface. Part I: Introducing Family Communication and Basic Family Processes. Defining Family Communication and Family Functioning. Theoretical Perspectives on Family Communication. Family Interaction Patterns: Norms and Networks, Routines and Rituals, Stories and Secrets. Family Interaction Processes: Power, Decision Making, Conflict, and Intimacy. Part II: Communication in Family Subsystems. Courtship and Mate Selection. Marriage and Intimate Partnerships. Parent-Child Communication. Sibling and Extended Family Relationships. Part III: Communication During Family Stress. Models of Family Stress and Coping. Normative and Nonnormative Family Stressors. Divorce. Renegotiating Family Communication: Remarriage and Stepfamilies. Part IV: Family Interaction, Health, and Well-Being. Family Interaction and Mental Health. Family Interaction and Physical Health. Family Violence and Abuse. Improving Family Communication and Family Relationships.