1. Family Communication Patterns are formed and combined from family communication behavior and family beliefs about how family members should communicate with one another.
2. What are conversation orientations and conformity orientations?
There are two dimensions which determine family communication patterns: a) Conversation Orientation and b) Conformity Orientation.
a) Conversation Orientation is defined as the way family creates an environment where all members of the family are encouraged to interact and participate about various topics. High conversation orientation means that the family member believe that the open and free communication is essential for a fruitful family life.
b) Conformity Orientation is is defined as the way one family makes an environment of singular beliefs, attitudes and values. High conformity orientation means that there is a uniformity of beliefs and attitudes.
3. Differentiate the following four family types:
1. Consensual - Families with a consensual type of communication communicate freely about thoughs, feelings and activities, but at the same moment, the final decision about issues is up to parents.
2. Pluralistic - Families with a pluralistic type of communication are oriented towards conversations and against conformity. Decisions are made together, as a family where everyone has a right to engage.
3. Protective - Families with a protective type of communication are oriented towards conformity and do not value open conversations. In these families, children are expected to listen to and obey their parents.
4. Laissez-faire - Laissez-faire families value neither conversation nor conformity. Discussions are rare, and parents often do not invest in the decisions of their children.
