Cohesion, Adaptability and Communication: A Test of an Olson Circumplex Model Hypothesis

Abstract

The hypothesis that families balanced on the dimensions of cohesion and adaptability would evidence more positive communication skills was examined. The communication dimension was defined in terms of communication clarity and expressiveness. In general, the hypothesis was supported. However, the results were more consistent for the cohesion dimension than for adaptability. Also, differences were found between husbands and wives on the relationship between cohesion and adaptability and communication expressiveness. For husbands, balanced scores on cohesion and adaptability were related to lower scores on communication expressiveness. Wives scores were in the expected direction with balanced scores on cohesion and adaptability associated with higher communication expressiveness scores. Implications for future theory building efforts and intervention are discussed.