Exploring Influences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Communication: Negative, Positive, or Both?

Keywords

communication, COVID-19, family, marriage, pandemic, resiliency

Abstract

In the context of the shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we explored communication processes within families through both qualitative and quantitative means. A panel survey of 1,510 adults (1,059 parents) in the United States was administered during the summer of 2020 (June 18–July 22). Summary quantitative data are presented. Nearly half (N = 624) also chose to respond to five, open-ended, qualitative questions. From these data, diverse influences of COVID-19 on family communication were qualitatively reported, identified, coded, and analyzed. Four related themes are presented related to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on family communication: (1) negative influences, (2) neutral influences, (3) positive influences, and (4) dualistic (negative and positive) influences. About 50 verbatim excerpts from the qualitative data are shared, along with implications and applications.

Original Publication Citation

Marks, L. D., Dollahite, D. C., Kelley, H. H., Kimball, E. R., & James, S. (2023). Exploring COVID-19’s influence on family communication: Negative, positive, or both? Marriage & Family Review, 59, 121-142. https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2023.2170014

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2023

Publisher

Marriage & Family Review

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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