Abstract
Thirty adolescents and their parents participated in a study of family interaction and optimal experience. Family members completed questionnaires, and discussed 7 topics for approximately 30 minutes while being videotaped. The audio portion of the tape was replayed after the discussion, with pauses after each topic segment to allow family members an opportunity to complete a modified form of the Experience Sampling Method. Family interaction was coded by independent observers, and compared to family members' experiential reports. Results showed that family communication complexity (i.e., interaction characterized jointly by integrating and differentiating responses) was associated with family members' reports of more optimal experience (i.e., feelings of interest and/or flow experience). Segment-to-segment analyses added that increases and descreases in family members' interest were associated with upward and downward changes in communication complexity, respectively. These findings, and the novel methodological approach, are discussed in terms of their relevance for studying adolescent development in the family.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
