Perceptions of Communication With Gay and Lesbian Family Members: Predictors of Relational Satisfaction and Implications for Outgroup Attitudes

Abstract

This study investigates perceptions of family communication among members with different sexual identities. Specifically, from the perspective of heterosexual family members (N = 129), the study takes an intergroup perspective to determine how accommodative and non-accommodative communication and attitudes toward homosexuality predict intergroup anxiety and relational satisfaction with gay or lesbian family members. Further, the manner in which family communication influences attitudes toward homosexuality is examined. Results are discussed in terms of implications for research on heterosexual–homosexual interaction, family communication, and intergroup communication, in general.

Keywords:

• Communication Accommodation
• Intergroup Communication
• Outgroup Attitudes
• Relational Satisfaction
• Sexual Identity

Notes

*p < .05. **p < .01.

Communication satisfaction was measured with a condensed version of Hecht's (1978) Communication Satisfaction scale (α = .77; M = 6.22, SD = 0.83).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordan Soliz

Jordan Soliz (Ph.D., University of Kansas, 2004) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Elizabeth Ribarsky

Elizabeth Ribarsky (M.A., Central Michigan University, 2004) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois–Springfield.

Meredith Marko Harrigan

Meredith Marko Harrigan (Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2006) is an assistant professor in the Communication Department at the State University of New York–Geneseo.

Stacy Tye-Williams

Stacy Tye-Williams (M.A., University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, 2003) is a lecturer at Creighton University.