Multiple Channels of Communication: Association Between Emerging Adults’ Communication Patterns, Well-Being, and Parenting

Abstract

The current study extends the literature on emerging adults by examining their communication with parents and peers simultaneously. Specifically, emerging adults’ communication patterns and the relationships among communication, well-being, and their perceptions of parents’ involvement and autonomy support are explored. Emerging adults ( N = 328) reported their frequency of communication in person, over the phone, via text message, and on social networking sites with mother, father, and closest friend. A Latent Profile Analysis revealed four communication patterns (Low communication, Friend-oriented, Parent-oriented, and Multimedia). Communication patterns with mothers and fathers were similar; youth used more text messaging and social networking with friends. A Friend-oriented communication pattern was associated with psychological well-being while the Multimedia group reported higher social well-being.