Self-disclosure and relational uncertainty as mediators of family communication patterns and relational outcomes in sibling relationships

This study tested the degree to which self-disclosure and relational uncertainty sequentially mediate the associations among family communication patterns (FCP) (i.e., conversation and conformity orientations) and relational outcomes (closeness and satisfaction) in the sibling relationship. Participants included 329 emerging adults who completed online questionnaires. Three distinct indirect effects emerged for conversation orientation on both relational outcomes through self-disclosure, relational uncertainty, and disclosure to uncertainty paths, respectively. Likewise, conformity orientation produced indirect effects on both outcomes through self-disclosure and disclosure to uncertainty, as well as a direct, negative effect on sibling satisfaction. Collectively, the results support FCP theory and extend an understanding of how family communication environments enhance (or inhibit) emerging adults’ sibling relationships.     

Responses to changes in relational uncertainty within dating relationships: Emotions and communication strategies

Guided by the appraisal theory of emotion, this paper examines how various emotions shape communication strategies within romantic relationships. Events that changed people's relational uncertainty levels provide the context for the investigation. Participants in dating relationships (N = 141) described their experience of relational certainty and uncertainty increasing events. Relational certainty increases coincided with relatively high levels of happiness, and relational uncertainty increases corresponded with heightened degrees of anger and sadness. Integrative behaviors were a frequently reported response to both kinds of events. Consistent with appraisal theory, specific emotions were associated with particular strategies; however, some effects were moderated by the type of event. The discussion highlights the utility of appraisal theory for understanding how romantic partners manage fluctuations in relational uncertainty.     

Privacy issues in relational embarrassment: Impact on relational quality and communication satisfaction

Past theorizing on causes for embarrassing situations has not taken the context of the relationship into account. This study takes exception to that oversight and examines embarrassment within the context of romantic relationships. Respondents (n = 199) were asked to identify embarrassing situations caused by romantic partners. Responses were content analyzed and three major categories were found: revealing relational secrets, inappropriate actions and awkward situations. All of these situations were considered to be breaches of relational privacy, where the partner made something public that was expected to be kept private between the couple. Respondents were also asked to assess the impact frequency of embarrassment has on feelings of relational quality and relational communication satisfaction. Gender, length of relationship, and currency of relationship were also considered. Using canonical correlations, the findings show that current relationships are longer, have less embarrassment and have higher levels of relational quality as well as satisfaction with relational communication. While past relationships are perceived to be shorter, have more embarrassment and have lower levels of relational quality as well as satisfaction with relational communication. Interpretations of these results are offered, in light of relational privacy issues.     

Relationship stages: An inductive analysis identifying cognitive,affective, and behavioral dimensions of Knapp's relational stages model

Knapp's (1978) ten stage model of relationships has been widely cited and endorsed, nonetheless a solid empirical foundation for this model is lacking. This study was conducted to provide the preliminary information necessary to identify, empirically, the stages of “coming together”; and “coming apart”;. Focus groups were conducted to identify behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions indicative of the ten stages proposed by the Knapp model. Findings indicate that people generally report different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in each stage. The findings are discussed in terms of the further development of Knapp's model and creation of a corresponding measurement scale. Directions for future research involving the development of such a scale are also discussed.     

The relationships among loneliness,self/partner constructive maintenance behavior,and relational satisfaction in two cultures

Previous research has shown that individuals in a close relationship or with good support network can suffer loneliness and that feelings of loneliness can cause negative perceptions of relationship quality and communication behavior of self and partner. The present study investigated the associations of self‐/partner‐perceived constructive communication behavior with loneliness and relational satisfaction in close relationships in South Korea and the United States. The results indicated that lonely individuals perceived themselves and their partners as displaying positive behaviors significantly less than did non‐lonely individuals, regardless of culture. Lonely people felt significantly less satisfied in a relationship than did their non‐lonely counterparts across cultures. However, as predicted, cultural differences emerged with respect to the significant indicators of loneliness: only self behavior for Koreans and only partner behavior for Americans. The results suggest that even a moderate level of loneliness can affect perceptions of constructive communication effort by self and others and relational satisfaction in close relationships across cultures.     

The relationships among manager communication openness,nonverbal immediacy,and subordinate motivation

The relationship between managers' communication behaviors (openness and nonverbal immediacy) and subordinates' motivation were examined. Wharton MBA candidates were videotaped participating in an organizational simulation to resolve interpersonal conflict. Subordinates completed self‐report measures regarding openness and motivation; independent coders rated managers' nonverbal immediacy behaviors. Analysis indicated that communication openness was positively and significantly related to motivation, while nonverbal immediacy and motivation was slightly related although not significantly. The positive, yet tentative relationship between openness and immediacy, indicated that these variables occur together. Results of the multiple regression reveals that openness was more predictive of motivation, while immediacy had a more indirect impact.     

Autonomy and parent-child relationship satisfaction: the mediating role of communication competence

ABSTRACT

Research shows that autonomous individuals have greater psychological well-being and high-quality relationships. The present study, from a communication perspective, aimed to understand the dynamics between child autonomy, communication competence, and parent-child relationship satisfaction. Participants in this study were 169 parent-young adult child dyads. Results showed that autonomous children reported being more communicatively competent, and both themselves and their parents reported greater satisfaction. Further, mediation analyses showed that child autonomy was positively associated with children’s satisfaction with parents through their disclosure competence, and child autonomy was positively associated with parents’ satisfaction with children through child conflict management competence. Overall, the findings revealed that young adult child being autonomous was beneficial to both themselves and their parents.     

US host nationals' attitudes toward Japanese: the role of communication and relational solidarity in the intergroup contact hypothesis

Guided by the intergroup contact hypothesis and intergroup contact theory, the authors examined US Americans' (N=403) communication experiences and relational solidarity with their most frequent Japanese contact and associations with their attitudes toward Japanese as a cultural group. Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) results showed that both communication frequency and quality had an indirect effect through relational solidarity on affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitudes, demonstrating the critical mediating role of relational solidarity. Results also revealed that communication quality was positively and directly associated with the attitudinal measures. Implications of the findings are discussed with respect to prior literature on relational communication in intergroup and intercultural contexts.     

论中国近代新闻事业发展的三个历史阶段

本文以新闻事业发展的自身规律与社会发展的历史诉求相结合为研究视角,将中国新闻事业发展的历史过程划分为四个历史阶段:第一阶段为近代报刊的诞生与初步发展阶段(1815年至1895年),第二阶段为以民办报刊为主体的民族报业的日趋兴旺与新闻事业的全面发展阶段(1895年至1927年),第三阶段为两极新闻事业的出现与发展阶段(1927年至1949年),第四阶段为社会主义新闻事业的建立与发展阶段(1949年至今);并对前三个历史阶段即中国近代新闻事业发展的三个历史阶段作了探讨与阐释。     

The relationship between willingness to communicate and solidarity with frequency,breadth, and depth of communication in the sibling relationship

People communicate differently based on their willingness to communicate, along with their feelings of solidarity with the receivers (McCroskey & Richmond, 1987). People who are high in their willingness to communicate and feel close to their receivers would seemingly communicate more frequently and intimately. This study investigated this proposition by considering the late adolescent sibling relationship. College students were asked to complete a questionnaire focusing on the frequency, breadth, and depth of their communication with their siblings. Participants also completed measures of their trait willingness to communicate, their willingness to communicate with their siblings, and their solidarity with their siblings. People's willingness to communicate and willingness to communicate with their siblings was positively related to their frequency, breadth, and depth of communication with their siblings. Solidarity was also found to be positively related to frequency, breadth, and depth of communication.     

Nonverbal communication and marital adjustment and satisfaction: the role of decoding relationship relevant and relationship irrelevant affect

The present study investigates the relationship between nonverbal encoding and decoding of positive and negative affect attributed to relational and nonrelational factors and spouses' marital adjustment. Findings indicate that accuracy in decoding of nonverbal affect was associated with the partner's, but not one's own, marital satisfaction. In regard to specific relational and nonrelational affect, results showed that accurate decoding of relational positive affect and of nonrelational negative affect was associated with the decoder's marital satisfaction, while accurate decoding of relational positive affect was associated with the partner's dissatisfaction. In regard to nonverbal communication and sex differences, we found that husbands' decoding of wives' nonrelational affect was more predictive of marital satisfaction than wives' decoding of husbands' nonrelational affect. Overall, however, we did not find many of the sex differences in nonverbal communication reported in previous studies. Implications of these findings for our current understanding of nonverbal communication in marriages are discussed.     

Socialization,resocialization, and communication relationships in the context of an organizational change

This investigation explores the influence of perceptions of socialization tactics' use and communication relationships on employees at the initiation of and 4 months into an organizational restructuring. Results of this longitudinal investigation reveal that employees (N = 72) report considerable changes in perceptions of organizational socialization/resocialization efforts. Results also indicate that both perceptions of socialization tactics' use and communication relationships contribute to decreased role ambiguity and role conflict and increased commitment at the initiation of the restructuring and four months later. However, the influence of these factors on the dependent variables changes over time. These findings are discussed in relation to recent research on organizational entry and change, and suggestions are made for future research.     

媒介知识分子:关系、角色特征及身份重建

媒介知识分子是传媒现代化的产物.在消费社会,媒介知识分子与媒介的关系改变了以往知识分子与媒介之间的主客关系,成为媒介利益链条上的一部分.当前,媒介知识分子的角色特征表现为:内部媒介知识分子的市场化和外部媒介知识分子的媒介化,这影响了媒介知识分子的权威性和公信力.媒介知识分子亟需通过身份重建,重塑权威性.     

Types of touch in cross-sex relationships between coworkers: perceptions of relational and emotional messages, inappropriateness, and sexual harassment

This study examined observers' perceptions of nine different types of touch (including a "no touch" control condition) used in cross-sex relationships between coworkers. Results showed that face touch sends particularly strong relational and emotional messages. A soft touch in the cheek area of the face was seen as signaling more affection, attraction, flirtation, and love than the other types of touch. Face touch was also rated as the most inappropriate and sexually harassing of the nine types of touch examined. Arm around the waist was also rated as showing relatively high levels of attraction and flirtation, as well as inappropriateness and harassment. No touch and handshaking conveyed the most formality. Observers rated women as more affectionate, trusting, happy, and composed than men across the touch conditions. Men, however, were judged to be more attracted to their cross-sex partners than were women. These and other findings are discussed to shed light on the multiple interpretations of touch within the context of relationships between cross-sex coworkers.     

The relationship between student communication motives and information seeking

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between college students’ communication motives (i.e., relational, functional, participatory, excuse making, sycophantic) and their use of information‐seeking strategies (i.e., overt, indirect, third party, testing, observing). Participants were 149 students enrolled in an introductory communication course at a Mid‐Atlantic university. Results indicated that (a) students who communicate for the sycophantic, relational, and participatory motives use the indirect and observing information‐seeking strategies and (b) students who communicate for the functional communication motive use the overt information‐seeking strategy, but do not use the testing information‐seeking strategy. Future research should examine whether college students use information‐seeking strategies with their classmates and the impact of the use of these strategies on their learning experience.     

Types of touch in cross-sex relationships between coworkers: perceptions of relational and emotional messages,inappropriateness, and sexual harassment

This study examined observers' perceptions of nine different types of touch (including a "no touch" control condition) used in cross-sex relationships between coworkers. Results showed that face touch sends particularly strong relational and emotional messages. A soft touch in the cheek area of the face was seen as signaling more affection, attraction, flirtation, and love than the other types of touch. Face touch was also rated as the most inappropriate and sexually harassing of the nine types of touch examined. Arm around the waist was also rated as showing relatively high levels of attraction and flirtation, as well as inappropriateness and harassment. No touch and handshaking conveyed the most formality. Observers rated women as more affectionate, trusting, happy, and composed than men across the touch conditions. Men, however, were judged to be more attracted to their cross-sex partners than were women. These and other findings are discussed to shed light on the multiple interpretations of touch within the context of relationships between cross-sex coworkers.     

Nonverbal immediacy communication behaviors and liking in marital relationships

This study examined the relationship between nonverbal immediacy behaviors and liking in marriages. Findings revealed that a spouse's perception of their partner's use of nonverbal immediacy behaviors strongly correlated with how much they liked their partner (r = .67), and was reciprocal within marital dyads. Individuals married one year or less and those married more than 24 years scored highest in perceived spouse nonverbal immediacy and liking for their partners. The relationship between nonverbal immediacy and liking was consistent regardless of marriage duration. Findings support and expand on previous research in relational maintenance, nonverbal immediacy, and affinity seeking communication behaviors.     

The role of communication in managing reductions in work force

Reductions in work force (downsizing, delayering, resizing, outplacement, layoffs, demassing) are used by organizations to achieve desired economic goals and ensure survival. However, these reductions often negatively affect the work behaviors and attitudes of continuing employees and thus, may detract from the success of the reduction in work force. The purpose of this study was to increase our understanding of the effects of multiple workforce reductions on survivors by extending Brockner's (1988) model and outlining the role of communication in the process so that researchers and practitioners can better predict and control for the effects of workforce reductions. In pursuit of this goal, a causal model of effects on survivors was developed and then tested with data collected in a large, midwestern insurance company that implemented two workforce reductions.

The hypothesized model was inconsistent with the data and subsequently was rejected. A revised model was then tested and found to fit at three time periods. The revised model demonstrates survivor reactions to reductions are complex and change over time and in response to multiple reductions. The main conclusion was that managers can influence survivor information deprivation, career future uncertainty, work satisfaction, and propensity for turnover by paying attention to, and if possible controlling, organizational identification, financial rewards, work team communication support, and manager communication support. The results also suggest that survivor reactions to prior organizational interventions may influence the success of current interventions.     

The relationship between student learning mode and changes in thoughts about communication in the basic oral communication course

This study investigates relationships between learning mode and changes in thoughts about communication (self‐perceived communication competence and communication apprehension) over a semester long basic communication course. The present study goes beyond previous work in that it examines changes in thoughts that are desired course outcomes instead of treating communication variables as unchanging. Results suggest a relationship between learning modes and thoughts about communicating but that learning mode does not exert major influence on changes during the basic communication course.