Trait Verbal Aggressiveness as a Function of Family Communication Patterns

Abstract

This study examined the degree to which family communication patterns (i.e., conversation and conformity orientations) predict young adults' trait verbal aggressiveness (VA). Participants included 474 young adult children from the Southwestern region of the United States. Results indicated that conversation orientation is inversely associated with trait VA, whereas conformity orientation is positively associated with trait VA. When combined, both family orientations emerged as significant predictors of young adults' trait VA, accounting for 9% of the variance. Post hoc analyses revealed that young adults from pluralistic families (i.e., high conversation, low conformity) reported lower levels of trait VA than young adults from consensual, protective, and laissez-faire families. Reasons for the post hoc results are offered.

Keywords:

• Conformity
• Conversation
• Family Communication Patterns
• Verbal Aggressiveness

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul Schrodt

Paul Schrodt (PhD, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2003) is a Philip J. and Cheryl C. Burguières Professor, Associate Professor, and Graduate Director in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas Christian University.

Kristen Carr

Kristen Carr (MS, Texas Christian University, 2009) is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.