Which Communication Style Best Explains Happiness in Social Relationships among Young People?

Abstract

This study is a field research aimed at examining the communication styles that enhance happiness in social relationships among young individuals. One of the key concepts of the research, communication styles, refers to how individuals interact with others, while social well-being refers to the satisfaction individuals experience in their relationships with others. This research was conducted to understand which communication styles are more effective in supporting happiness in social relationships among young people. Data was collected through online and face-to-face surveys from 454 university students aged 18-24 from eight different universities in Turkey. Communication styles were measured using the Communication Styles Inventory (CSI), and social well-being was assessed through the Social Well-Being Scale, based on the PERMA model of positive psychology. The findings of correlation and regression analyses indicate that expressive communication style is positively associated with social well-being, while emotional and manipulative communication styles do not have a significant effect on social well-being. These results suggest that fostering expressive communication styles can increase happiness and satisfaction in social interactions among young people. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive impact of expressive communication styles on social well-being, suggesting that developing this style has the potential to enhance social integration and overall quality of life.