In-Laws’ Perceptions of Topic Avoidance, Goal Inferences, and Relational Outcomes

ABSTRACT

Utilizing a multiple goals theory of personal relationships, the present study examined conditions under which in-laws’ are more or less dissatisfied with each other’s’ topic avoidance (i.e., general and in-law specific). Results from unpaired parents-in-law (n = 154) and children-in-law (n = 199) revealed that the topic of perceived avoidance was important in determining relational outcomes (i.e., relationship satisfaction and family connection) associated with topic avoidance. Additionally, the negative, linear association between topic avoidance and relational consequences was moderated by in-laws’ goal inferences. Findings extend theorizing on topic avoidance and multiple goals while simultaneously providing practical guidance for in laws.

Notes

¹. Although communication between in-laws may change post-ceremony/official commitment, for many in-laws, communication patterns that develop early in the relationship, such as during courtship and engagement, tend to set the stage for subsequent in-law communication (Merrill, 2007). Limited research suggests that it is only after numerous years of repeated interactions that in-laws notice changes, for better or worse, in their communication, if any (e.g., Fowler & Rittenour, 2017). This theoretical evidence combined with the empirical results of the independent samples t-tests confirmed that it was appropriate to combine these two groups (future and nascent in-law bonds) for all substantive analyses.