Communication in Family Relationships

Marcia Dos Santos

Christina Ginn

Alena Vandrielen

-Abigail, R. Managing Conflict through Communication, Fourth Edition.

Conflict is a kind of communication situation that has particular

characteristics, which, if not handled effectively, can make an interpersonal

relationship problematic and even end a relationship.

Prelude to conflict

Resolution phase

Differentiation phase

Initiation of conflict

Triggering eventProcess View

Conflict is bad

We handle it poorly

Conflict gets out of control & must be

confronted

Avoid it as long as possible

Nervous about conflicts

ConfrontationAvoidance

Loser has unresolved

conflict

One person wins

Win-lose orientation

Competitive messages

Perception of conflict

Competitive Escalation

Unresolved grievances

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxoSfGWGxM&feature=related

Avoiding… Not Addressing Conflict

Choosing to withdraw, leaving the scene, avoiding discussing issues, or

remaining silent.-Abigail & Cahn, 42

Accommodating… Giving In.

Competing…

Aggressive Communication behavior.

Compromising…

Assertive Communication Option.

Collaborating… Working Together.

The problems we face cannot be solved withthe same thinking that applied when they arose.

-Albert Einstein

When grown ups behave like kids…

Family Conflict Hurts

How can we change this picture?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVcsF2ITVA

Conflict Management

Stop & Think

Renegotiating Family Relationships

Source: Emery, R. (2012). Renegotiating family relationships: Divorce, child custody, and mediation (2 ed). NY, New York : Guilford Press.

Co Parenting BusinessMake an appointment (No kids present)

Explain need for changes or problem

Listen to response

Negotiate compromise

Collaborate creative solutions

Monitor progress

Get help if needed

Begin Here

Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship

flourishing and growing.-Jim Rohn

Thank you for your time!

We would greatly appreciate your feedback.

References

• Abigail, R. (2011). Managing conflict through communication (4 ed). Pearson.

• Crazy Stupid Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVcsF2ITVA

• Emery, R. (2012). Renegotiating family relationships: Divorce, child custody, and mediation (2 ed). NY, New York : Guilford Press.

• Family Guyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxoSfGWGxM&feature=related