Family Communication, Maternal and Paternal Expectations, and College Students' Suicidality

Abstract

This study extends current research on family communication and suicide risk in 2 ways. First, it examines variables that reflect communication patterns found in generally well-functioning families, as opposed to more commonly specified pathological factors, to assess the relationship of family communication and suicidality (ideation and attempts). Second, it examines the differential effects of family communication and parental expectations across gender, analyzing mothers and fathers separately. Specifically, this study assesses the influence that maternal and paternal family communication orientation, maternal and paternal expectation of perfection, personal expectation of perfection, and emotional closeness with parents have on suicidality in both men and women. Data from a questionnaire administered to 421 introductory public speaking students at a northeastern university were analyzed using logistic regression and revealed that female suicide ideation was strongly influenced by one particular pattern of family communication-one in which the father adopted a conformity orientation and the mother communicated a strong expectation of perfection. Findings regarding actual suicide attempts were inconclusive.