Perceptions of Communication With Gay and Lesbian Family Members: Predictors of Relational Satisfaction and Implications for Outgroup Attitudes

Abstract

This study investigates perceptions of family communication among members with different sexual identities. Specifically, from the perspective of heterosexual family members (N = 129), the study takes an intergroup perspective to determine how accommodative and non-accommodative communication and attitudes toward homosexuality predict intergroup anxiety and relational satisfaction with gay or lesbian family members. Further, the manner in which family communication influences attitudes toward homosexuality is examined. Results are discussed in terms of implications for research on heterosexual-homosexual interaction, family communication, and intergroup communication, in general.

Outing Heteronormativity in Interpersonal and Family Communication: Feminist Applications of Queer Theory “Beyond the Sexy Streets”

“…In recent years, theorizing about same-sex romantic and family relationships has become an area of interest for interpersonal and family communication scholars. Topics studied have included LGBTQ parenting (Bergen, Suter, & Daas, 2006;Breshears, 2011), relational maintenance (Haas & Stafford, 1998, self-disclosure strategies (Breshears, 2010), and family members' perceptions of communication with LGBTQ kin (Soliz, Ribarsky, Harrigan, & Tye-Williams, 2010). This inquiry into ''alternative'' relationships and family structures is important and productive; however, researchers attempting to broaden the scope of relational and family research continue to encounter theoretical and methodological limitations.…”

Young Adult Daughters and their Parents: Communication about WorkCareer and Family

“…As Soliz and Harwood (2006) posited, the personalized nature of accommodative behaviors (e.g., supportive communication, respectful accommodation, self-disclosure, or storytelling) puts the interlocutors in an optimum position in which they may move beyond social distancing intergroup factors to the highly personalized interactions that are based on the characteristics of the two engaged individuals. Accommodative behaviors have been linked to positive outcomes of relationships (Soliz et al, 2010;Williams & Harwood, 2004) and so it is unsurprising that in this sample, it was linked to heightened parent-child relationship quality. , Punyanunt-Carter, 2008), it is also important to examine the content of the message shared (in this case, messages that daughters find memorable).…”

“…This accommodative behavior is relevant in the context of this dissertation because of the likelihood of divergent perspectives regarding work/career and family. In the context of family members' disclosing their gay identity to the families, Soliz, Ribarsky, Harrigan, and Tye- Williams (2010) found a positive association between respectful accommodation and selfdisclosure, and respectful accommodation and relational satisfaction. This trend suggests the importance of respecting others' opinions and perspectives to encourage openness in communication and strengthen relationships with others.…”

“…The ten semantic differentials assess specific and global dimensions of satisfaction over the last month. Previous researchers have found this version to be reliable, with Cronbach's alphas between .85 and .96 Soliz et al, 2010;Soliz, Thorson, Rittenour, & Murry, 2009). Negatively-keyed items were reverse coded.…”

“…The interdependence subscale measures the extent to which the daughter expects her mother to be available either emotionally or physically whereas the connectedness measures closeness, intimacy, and attachment in the mother-daughter relationship. Previous researchers have found this version to be reliable, with Cronbach's alphas between .87 and .92 for the connectedness subscale and between .74 and .86 Respectful accommodation was measured using 2-items adapted from Soliz, Ribarsky, Harrigan, and Tye-Williams's (2010) measurement of respectful accommodation (see items 26 and 27 of Appendix A and B) and four items adapted from Harwood's (2000) measurement of grandchild reluctant accommodation and grandchild accommodating role-relations (see items 28-31 of Appendix A and B). Respectful accommodation refers to the show of respect for others' perspectives and opinions particularly in situations where communication partners may have divergent views.…”