Changes in family communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of family communication patterns and relational distance

ABSTRACT

Communication between family members facilitated sensemaking and coping with uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic for many, however, accessing this form of coping can be challenging for marginalized family members who maintain relational distance with family. This study sought to understand how family communication changed during the COVID-19 pandemic for marginalized family members and how those changes were associated with family communication patterns. Conversation orientation was associated with increases in family communication quantity and quality. Perceptions of family member marginalization mediated the relationship between (a) conversation orientation and (b) conformity orientation and quality of family communication change.

KEYWORDS:

• Family communication patterns
• marginalization
• COVID-19
• pandemic
• relational distancing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Dorrance Hall

Elizabeth Dorrance Hall (PhD, Purdue University) is Director of the Family Communication and Relationships Lab and Assistant Professor of Communication at Michigan State University in the Department of Communication. Her research focuses on difficult communication in close relationships.

Kelsey Earle

Kelsey Earle is a PhD student in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. Her research focuses how people form and maintain relationships, particularly through technology.

Jacqueline Silverstone

Jacqueline Silverstone is a recent MA graduate from the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. She is interested in group and interpersonal communication and maintenance.

Marissa Immel

Marissa Immel is graduate student at Michigan State University. She is in her first year studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and will complete her degree in the spring of 2023.

Molly Carlisle

Molly Carlisle graduated with her MA in Communication from Michigan State University. She is a graduate student instructor for a business communication course and she currently studies human resources. Her research focuses on interpersonal conflict, reactance, and family communication.

Nicole Campbell

Nicole Campbell has a MA in Communication from Michigan State University and a MA in social psychology from New York University. Her research focuses on close relationships and attachment.