Family
Communication
in the
Information
Age

Vol. 16, No. 1
ISSN: 1546-2676

Guest Editor:

Rebecca J.
Dumlao

Table of Contents

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Contemporary Family Communication: Starting Dialogues that Inform our Scholarship

Rebecca J. Dumlao, Guest Editor

Abstract

Family communication in the information age, the subject matter for this special issue, holds important implications for leaders in the Family Sciences. Both interpersonal communication and mass media communication are changing rapidly in our world and are impacting the lives of the families we study and serve.

Family Communication Scholarship: Current Work and Developing Research Frontiers

Rebecca J. Dumlao

Abstract

This article offers an overview of contemporary family communication scholarship. First, I highlight common assumptions about communication processes to provide a base for scholars from different disciplines to increase shared understandings about today’s family communication research. Next, I identify key constructs and vital areas of this research as determined by leading scholars. Finally, I pose some frontiers for interdisciplinary scholarship about family communication in the information age.

Abstract

This paper explores career decision communication between mothers and daughters living in the information age. Qualitative data from telephone interviews of eleven matched pairs of mothers and their high school daughters indicate that daughters are turning first to their mothers for career advice and communication is taking place while simple routine tasks of daily living are performed. Findings suggest generational differences in communication with quality and quantity of conversation about careers improving. Mothers are a source of career information for their daughters and could benefit from additional resources about non-traditional careers so that the guidance they provide to their Millennial daughters in this information age includes a wide range of career options.

Abstract

This paper highlights the importance of family communication and metacommunication in audiology and, more specifically, in hearing aid dispensing. We argue that, as audiologists are trained in communication skills, so too should they be trained in how to include family members in the communication. Metacommunication, or communication about communication, should be the significant method of training for audiologists and the families.

Abstract

Using data from the PEW Internet and American Life Project, March 2000 Survey, this study investigates how using computer-mediated communication (i.e., email) to communicate with family members affects family relationships. First, we look at who uses email to contact family members. Then we look at whether those individuals using email perceive that email affects their family relationships. Results show that younger Caucasian females with higher incomes living in two-adult households are more likely to email family members; using email is associated with increased family communication. Overall, emailing family members is thought to benefit family relations. Findings are consistent with the knowledge gap hypothesis; however, a displacement model of computer-mediated communication is not supported.