“Toughlove” is a network of parental support groups designed to aid families with delinquent children. The program urges parents to use strict discipline to control their children's behavior and denies that parents are to blame for the failings of their offspring. Using the perspectives suggested by dramatism and Walter R. Fisher's “narrative paradigm,” this study critiques the Toughlove story and assesses the rhetorial impact of storytelling in a Toughlove group. While the “Toughlove” rhetoric is found to be highly compelling to the parents in need, it is also found to be quite risky.
Communication Quarterly
Volume 35, 1987 - Issue 1
![Sample our Humanities journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5939/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Humanities.jpg"})
Reprints and Corporate Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:
Academic Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:
If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.
Related Research Data
Personal narratives: Perspectives on theory and research
Source:
Informa UK Limited
The Functions and Scope of Rhetoric Rediviva
Source:
Informa UK Limited
On limiting the narrative paradigm: Three case studies
Source:
Informa UK Limited
Linking provided by
