Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tracey Phillips

Abstract

The increasing dependence or reliance on the usage of technology to connect with each other is influencing family communication today. Face-to-face family communication is becoming more and more devalued. Considering the value of family communication, parents should play the most important role of sustaining it to enhance family relationship. Using the family systems theory as a foundation, the purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand parental experiences concerning family communication within the context of modern technology. This study used purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews from 7 U.S. citizens, men and women aged 30-55, from St Lucie County, Florida. The research question focused on the perceptions and experiences of parents concerning the influence of technology on family communication. A questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. The results of the study are organized by theme, and each theme relates to the perceptions and experiences of parents of family communication within modern technology. Each theme has both positive and negative effects on family communication, as well as their social skills, communication skills, and relationship-cultivating skills. Further generic qualitative research into the area of effective family communication and how technology can be effectively implemented to narrow the gap between teens and adults in communication styles is recommended. Future research with a larger sample size should be conducted on how parents perceive technology to family communication. Findings in this study contribute to positive social change by introducing program modules with strategies for parents to learn the art of communication that would motivate teens to connect face-to-face, be more attuned to human contact, and less addicted to technological devices.

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