Parent–Child Relationship Satisfaction: The Influence of Family Communication Orientations and Relational Maintenance Behaviors

Abstract

This study examined emerging adults’ satisfaction with parent–child relationships as a function of family communication orientations and relational maintenance behaviors. Two hundred and eleven emerging adults completed measures assessing family communication orientations (conversation and conformity), relational maintenance behaviors (shared tasks, shared networks, positivity, openness, and assurances), and satisfaction with parent–child relationships. Results demonstrated that family conversation orientation and relational maintenance behaviors were positively associated with relationship satisfaction; family conformity orientation was not related to relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, findings indicated support for a model in which positivity and openness mediated the association between family conversation orientation and children’s satisfaction with parent–child relationships.