The relative importance of selected communication skills for successful adolescent peer interactions: Speech pathologists' opinions

Abstract

This study investigated the opinions of speech pathologists about the relative importance of 14 communication skills for successful adolescent peer interactions. The speech pathologists generally ranked discourse management skills (e.g. selecting appropriate conversational topics, employing conversational clarification and repair strategies) as relatively high in importance and addressee-focused/empathic communication skills (e.g. conveying opinions tactfully, using appropriate vocal tone) as relatively lower in importance. There was less consensus among the speech pathologists about the relative importance of the two figurative language/metalinguistic skills (comprehending humour, using appropriate adolescent slang). In the discussion, the results of this study are contrasted with those of a previous study involving adolescents' opinions about the relative importance of selected communication skills for positive peer relationships. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed, and avenues for future research are suggested.

Key Words:

• adolescence
• language disorder
• importance of communication skills
• peer relationships
• speech pathologists' opinions