Open Communication Style Research Articles

Communication Between Husband and Wife Who Do Not Have Children

This study 1) recognize and characterize the interpersonal communication styles of a husband and wife without children; 2) Assess the impact of interpersonal communication on the quality of relationships between husband and wife who do not yet have children; 3) Identify the strategies and mechanisms used by estranged relatives who do not have children to address communication challenges in their relationships; and 4) Offering practical advice to marriage counselors based on the results of their research. The qualitative research approach was used to understand events in life from the viewpoint of the one going through them. The finding showed that Husband and wife interactions not accompanied by children are typically more passionate and emotional. Social pressure, expectations from the extended family, and feelings of inferiority are some of the difficulties faced by a husband and wife who are not yet parents. Open and sincere communication styles are typically employed by harmonious couples. This kind of support lessens stress and makes the emotional connection between a husband and wife stronger. New insights into the subject of communication studies are offered by this study. This study takes a holistic approach, taking into account several variables that affect communication, such as emotional support, cultural expectations, and social pressure. This study pinpoints the successful communication techniques employed by harmonious couples, offering helpful advice to other couples in like circumstances. This study offers a fresh viewpoint on the function of social support in the dynamics of marital communication by highlighting the significance of emotional support from a range of sources in assisting couples in overcoming stress and obstacles.

Illness-related communication between siblings and parents of children with chronic illness and life-limiting conditions: A qualitative analysis.

Having a brother or sister who has a chronic illness (lasting >6 months and requiring long-term care) or life-limiting condition (LLC; where cure is highly unlikely and the child is expected to die) has major impacts on siblings. Parent-sibling illness-related communication may contribute to siblings' capacity to cope. In this study, we aimed to explore parent-sibling illness-related communication, from the perspectives of parents and siblings. We also aimed to qualitatively compare participants' responses according to illness group (chronic illness vs. LLCs). We collected qualitative data from siblings (32 with a brother/sister with a chronic illness, 37 with a brother/sister with an LLC) and parents of a child with a chronic illness (n = 86) or LLC (n = 38) using purpose-designed, open-ended survey questions regarding illness-related communication. We used an inductive qualitative content analysis and matrix coding to explore themes and compare across illness groups. Two-thirds of siblings expressed satisfaction with their family's illness-related communication. Siblings typically reported satisfaction with communication when it was open and age-appropriate, and reported dissatisfaction when information was withheld or they felt overwhelmed with more information than they could manage. Parents generally favored an open communication style with the siblings, though this was more common among parents of children with an LLC than chronic illness. Our findings show that while many siblings shared that they felt satisfied with familial illness-related communication, parents should enquire with the siblings about their communication preferences in order to tailor illness-related information to the child's maturity level, distress, and age.

Increased family psychosocial focus during children’s developmental assessments: a study of parents’ views

BackgroundFamily psychosocial challenges during the early years of a child’s life are associated with later mental and physical health problems for the child. An increased psychosocial focus on parents in routine child developmental assessments may therefore be justified.MethodsParticipants in this qualitative study included 11 mothers and one parental couple (mother and father) with children aged 9–23 months. Participants were recruited to Project Family Wellbeing through their general practice in Denmark. Twelve interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed with a deductive approach. The topic guide drew on the core components of the Health Belief Model, which also served as a framework for the coding that was conducted using thematic analysis.ResultsResults are presented in four themes and 11 subthemes in total. Parents welcome discussion of their psychosocial circumstances during their child’s developmental assessments. Clinicians’ initiatives to address psychosocial challenges and alignment of parents’ and clinicians’ expectations may be required to allow this discussion. A flowing conversation, an open communication style and a trustful relationship facilitate psychosocial discussion. Barriers included short consultation time, concerns about how information was used and when parents found specific psychosocial aspects stigmatising or irrelevant to discuss.ConclusionEnquiry about the family’s psychosocial circumstances in routine developmental assessments is acceptable among parents. Alignment of clinical and parental expectations of developmental assessments could facilitate the process. Future research should examine the predictive validity of the various components of developmental assessments.Trial registrationThis is a qualitative study. The study participants are part of the cohort from Project Family Wellbeing (FamilieTrivsel). The project’s trial registry number: NCT04129359. Registered October 16th 2019.

Acceptability of a pilot motivational interviewing intervention at public health facilities to improve the HIV treatment cascade among people who inject drugs in Indonesia.

HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) experience challenges in initiating and adhering to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Counselling using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques may help them formulate individualised strategies, and execute actions to address these challenges collaboratively with their providers. We evaluated the acceptability of MI from a pilot implementation at three public health facilities in Indonesia. Adapting the acceptability constructs developed by Sekhon (2017) we assessed the acceptability to HIV-positive PWID clients (n = 12) and providers (n = 10) in four synthesised constructs: motivation (attributes that inspire engagement); cost consideration (sacrifices made to engage in MI); learned understanding (mechanism of action); and outcomes (ability to effect change with engagement). We included all providers and clients who completed ≥ 2 MI encounters. Qualitative analysis with an interpretive paradigm was used to extract and categorise themes by these constructs. In motivation, clients valued the open communication style of MI, while providers appreciated its novelty in offering coherent structure with clear boundaries. In cost consideration, both groups faced a challenge in meeting MI encounters due to access or engagement in other health care areas. In learned understanding, clients understood that MI worked to identify problematic areas of life amenable to change to support long-term ART, with reconciliation in family life being the most targeted change. By contrast, providers preferred targeting tangible health outcomes to such behavioural proxies. In outcomes, clients were confident in their ability to develop behaviours to sustain ART uptakes, whereas providers doubted the outcome of MI on younger PWID or those with severe dependence. There is broad acceptability of MI in motivating engagement for both actors. Relative to providers, clients were more acceptable in its mechanism and had greater confidence to perform behaviours conducive to ART engagement. Design innovations to improve the acceptability of MI for both actors are needed.

Positive and adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes of children

ObjectiveResearchers and policymakers have identified adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction as a contributing factor to poor mental health outcomes for children. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) like open family communication styles, having the ability to live and play in a safe, stable, and protective environment, having constructive opportunities for social engagement, and receiving mentorship from adults have been found to improve the mental health of children. PurposeThis paper explores the role of ACEs and PCEs on the mental health outcomes of children. MethodA sample of 22,628 children ages 6–17 from the National Survey of Children's Health (2017–2020) was used to explore the relationship between PCEs and ACEs and the mental health of children. Logistic regression analysis is used to model the effect of PCEs and ACEs on the odds of child mental health diagnoses. ResultsFindings indicate that with each additional ACE, there was a significant increase in the odds of reporting a MH condition (OR = 1.25, 95 % CI 1.09–1.43). Conversely, with each additional PCE, there is a significant decrease in the odds or reporting a MH condition (OR = 0.76, 95 % CI 0.68–0.84). There was also evidence that PCEs moderate the relationship between ACEs and reports of mental health conditions. When counts of ACEs are low, PCEs provide a protective effect on reports of mental health. But when the count of ACEs are high, children with higher numbers of PCEs have similar reports of mental health conditions. SummaryThis study provides information about the moderating effect of PCEs on the relationship between ACEs and child mental health diagnosis with the goal of informing policies and interventions focused on ameliorating the growing crisis of children's negative mental health and well-being. What is known?Adverse childhood events (ACEs) like abuse, neglect and household dysfunction are known to negatively impact the mental health and well-being of children. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs), on the other hand, can positively influence the mental health and well-being of children. What does this article add?This study examines the association between adverse and positive childhood experiences to understand how they impact the mental health outcomes of children ages 6–17. Findings indicate that when ACEs are lower, the impact of PCEs are positive, but when ACEs are higher, PCEs do not make much difference in reports of mental health problems.

Development and validation of the Barriers to Using Immediacy Scale (BUIS).

Immediacy is a skill therapists use to process the therapeutic relationship in the here and now. Although immediacy has been shown to enhance the therapeutic process, therapists are often reluctant to use it (Hill et al., 2018). In three studies, we developed and tested a measure to assess reasons that therapists avoid using this skill: the Barriers to Using Immediacy Scale (BUIS). In Study 1, 185 North American therapist trainees completed the 45-item pilot measure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a four-factor structure (Concerns About Client Reactions, Concerns About Therapist Reactions, Negative Beliefs About Immediacy, Lack of Skills for Using Immediacy). In Study 2, with an international sample of 352 therapist trainees and professionals, confirmatory factor analyses supported the original four correlated factors model, as well as alternative models. In Study 3, 89 undergraduate students in a helping skills class completed the BUIS at three points during the semester. Students' total barriers and barriers due to a lack of skills decreased, but other perceived barriers did not decrease after training. Across all three studies, predicted correlations of BUIS scores were found with measures of self-efficacy for using immediacy, adherence to different theoretical orientations, communication style, and attachment style. Incremental validity was supported by the association of BUIS scores with measures of open communication and attachment style, after accounting for self-efficacy for immediacy. Limitations and future directions are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Identification of important actions for Musi Rawas Utara Regency to become an agile government

This paper aims to provide a formulation related to implementing the AgileGovernance strategies in the management of the Muratara Regency Govern-ment during the COVID-19 pandemic towards the Era of Society 5.0. This studyuses a qualitative content analysis method. This method emphasizes the analy-sis, synthesis, and providing recommendations based on a scientific under-standing of academic writing. The results of the paper concluded that theimplementation of agile governance strategies during the COVID-19 pandemictowards the Era of Society 5.0 in the Muratara Regency Government is: (a) theneed to share goals and visions with all members of the organization, seekopportunities and measure the existing options, flexible use of resources, andinstructions on strategies that can be implemented. (b). The need for a leader ofchange who is a catalyst and strengthens the team’s network (c). The need fororganizations that carry out constant learning. (d). The need for implementingan open communication style. (e). The need for a clean organization that fol-lows good governance. (g). The need to develop employee competency (individual).

Pediatric Orthopaedic Observerships in North America for International Surgeons: A Qualitative Study Exploring Motivations, Relevance, and Alternate Learning Platforms.

Given the growing interest among international surgeons to participate in North American clinical observerships, it is essential to incorporate international surgeons' views to further enhance the program's applicability, value, and accessibility. In this qualitative follow-up study, we explored the motivations, relevance, and opinions about alternate learning platforms among the international surgeons who had participated in a pediatric orthopaedic clinical observership in North America. Using a semistructured interview guide, international surgeons who had participated in a North American pediatric orthopaedic observership during 2009 to 2019 were interviewed until data saturation and inductive thematic saturation were reached. Twenty-one international surgeons representing 15 different countries (1 from a low-income country, 10 from a lower middle-income country, 8 from an upper middle-income country, and 2 from a high-income country) were interviewed. The most commonly cited motivations for doing a clinical observership were to advance clinical training and learn specific skills. The clinical and nonclinical skills gained during the observership, such as utilizing an integrated team approach and open communication style, were helpful to most interviewees; however, several respondents highlighted the critical need to adapt and modify surgical indications, techniques, and skills to suit their local environment and limited resource availability. Although respondents were interested in exploring virtual learning models to save time and expense, several preferred a hybrid model, including access to remote learning opportunities and sharing their own clinical experiences with the North American hosts. Identifying the visiting surgeon's motivation for participation can allow North American hosts to align their clinical exposure more closely with the unique needs and aspirations of the international surgeons and enable a more relevant exchange of clinical and nonclinical skills. Use of a blended learning model, including in-person and virtual learning platforms, and the missed opportunity of having the international surgeons share their clinical experiences and skills with their North American counterparts should be explored further.

POTRET KEPEMIMPINAN KIAI DAN PENGEMBANGAN NILAI-NILAI MULTIKULTURAL

Leadership patterns have different nuances when in the midst of diversity. leadership has high articulation in dealing with multiple differences, especially the development of Islamic education in the midst of the Balinese Hindu Religion and Culture community. Leader patterns and policies are important in dealing with this reality. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study type of research. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. Data analysis with Miles and Huberman's Interactive model: with steps; data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion/verification. Checking the validity of the data using source and method triangulation techniques, member checking, and discussions with colleagues. The results of this study are: (1) The leadership pattern of the Multicultural Kiai uses a contingency leadership pattern, namely a combination of eastern and democratic paternalistic leadership with a delegation style that has the characteristics of nurturing, protecting, educating, inclusive, tolerant, open communication style, guardian and controller. (2) The multicultural Kiai policy model with a modern management style that is based on missionary da'wah, and local wisdom, use a Double model, namely the Battom-up and top Down models or the Double policy model related to customary policies, curriculum development, Islamic Boarding School HR development policies and policies religious holidays.

The perceived helpfulness of structural family therapy in caring for Hong Kong Chinese families of an adolescent with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative inquiry

AbstractBackgroundPrevious literature pinpointed the limitations of behavioural treatment in helping families of people with intellectual disabilities to transit lifecycle adjustment and suggested the contributions of systemic intervention made to this population.MethodsThis study aimed to explore the applicability of structural family therapy to helping Hong Kong Chinese families of adolescents with intellectual disabilities from the perspective of family members. Nine members from four families of adolescents with intellectual disabilities were recruited. Family or individual interviews were conducted. A thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.FindingsThe families experienced two major changes after the therapy, that is, sharing the care responsibilities among family members and using more open communication styles in the family. Structural family therapy was found to be helpful in mediating family problems and promoting the active involvement of adolescents with intellectual disabilities in family interactions. However, the family participants expected clear guidance for the future development of adolescents with intellectual disabilities in a family treatment process.ConclusionsStructural family therapy can be a promising approach to working with Chinese families of adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

EFFECT OF COMMUNICATION STYLES OF FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS ON THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

In this study, it is aimed that the communication styles of the 1st and 4th grade students at the faculty of health sciences reach their academic achievement. A total of 977 students attending the 1st (438) and 4th (539) year classes were enrolled in this research. The data were collected using the sociodemographic characteristics form and the Interpersonal Communication Styles Scale (ICSS) and were evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics. Among participating students, 44.8% were in the 1st year and 55.2% were in the 4th year. The overall ICSS scores and open communication score averages of the 1st year students were found to significantly higher than those of the 4th year students. The open communication scores of students with a grade point average of 3.00–4.00 were higher than those with a low grade point average. In this study, it was concluded that most of the 1st year students of the faculty of health sciences use open and respectful (nurturing) communication styles, and that their use of open and respectful communication styles positively affects their academic achievement. The ability of the students to progress towards the fourth grade was not a determining factor in their use of open communication style.

Transformational leadership and organizational performance of Omani SMEs: the role of market orientation

PurposeThis study proposed and tested a model on the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and organizational performance (OP) with a possible intervening effect of market orientation (MO) at Omani small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe study followed a quantitative research design and the deductive approach. Data were collected from 259 employees working in Omani SMEs and were analyzed using structural equation modeling SEM AMOS V24.FindingsThe findings supported positive direct effects of transformational leadership on Omani SMEs' business performance and market orientation. The results also supported the effect of market orientation on business performance. Further analysis showed that market orientation partly mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and business performance.Practical implicationsThe results motivate Omani SMEs' leaders to use intangible capabilities (i.e., market orientation practices) to improve the different aspects of organizational performance. It also suggests that developing SMEs leaders' transformational skills on envisioning the future, adopting open communication styles, motivating employees and stimulating their creativity influences Omani SMEs' performance.Originality/valueDue to the mixed results regarding the TL–OP relationship and the recommendations for further exploring this relationship, this study contributes to theory and practice. It is among the few studies to explore the mediating role of MO between TL and OP in a developing country's SMEs environment.

Evaluating the effects of a high-tech call system on patient-staff communication.

Evaluating the effects of a high-tech call system on patient-staff communication.

Science Communication: Synthesis of Research Findings and Practical Advice from Experienced Communicators

Use of effective public communication strategies is critical for Extension professionals to successfully navigate challenges faced by the agriculture sector and local community, effect policy changes, and ensure public value for the Extension program. Simply addressing the public knowledge deficit is ineffective for gaining public trust in science. Thus, implementation of public engagement and increased dialogue are central to contemporary Extension practice. Such an approach requires balancing factual knowledge with an engaging and open communication style. We draw on both research findings and advice from experienced science communicators to provide a synthesis of practical tips for achieving this balance. Guidance is given regarding framing, word choices, and common pitfalls.

Encouraging Non-Family Employee Voice in Family Firm: The Role Model Effect of Owning Family

Employee voice contributes to both individual- and firm-level performance, yet we know little about voice behavior in the family firm. In this study, we highlight the role of owning family’s open communication style and propose it affects non-family employee voice via a role modeling mechanism. Then, we consider this process is interfered by owning families’ socioemotional wealth (SEW) concerns, and test the joint moderation effect of family employment and altruism variables, which represent family influence and attachment dimensions of SEW, respectively. Data collected from 251 employees in 37 family SME support complex relations: (1) in the cases of high family employment with low family altruism, family open communication enhances non-family employee voice; (2) in the cases of high family employment with high family altruism, family open communication plays a hindering role; (3) meanwhile, family open communication does not have a significant effect when family employment is low. Theoretically, we integrate social learning theory and SEW model, and contribute to both SEW conflict and family heterogeneity literature. Practically, we make suggestions for owning family to enhance non-family employee voice.

Parent-child communication about sexual issues in Zambia: a cross sectional study of adolescent girls and their parents

BackgroundParent-child communication about sexual issues can reduce risky sexual behaviour amongst adolescents. Risky sexual behaviour is of concern in sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of early pregnancy, unsafe abortion and HIV are high. Parent-child communication about sexual issues presents a feasible approach for reducing sexual risk amongst adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa but limited research exists from the region. This study from Zambia examines the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that are associated with whether parents communicate with their daughters about sexual issues.MethodsData from a cluster randomized controlled trial examining the effect of interventions aiming to reduce teenage pregnancy and school drop out in Zambia was used. The data was collected between January–July in 2018 and consists of structured, face to face interviews with 4343 adolescent girls and 3878 parents. Cross sectional analyses examined the associations between parent-child communication about sexual issues and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsAdolescent girls who felt connected to their parents and those who perceived their parents to be comfortable in communicating about sex, were more likely to speak to their parents about sexual issues than those who did not (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.52; and AOR 2.94, 95% CI 2.45–3.54, respectively). Girls whose parents used fear-based communication about sexual issues, and those who perceived their parents as being opposed to education about contraception, were less likely to communicate with their parents about sex than those who did not (AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.89; and AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.91, respectively). Girls enrolled in school were less likely to communicate with their parents about sex than those out of school (AOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44–0.71).ConclusionParenting style, children’s perception of parental attitudes and parental communication styles are associated with whether parents and children communicate about sexual issues. This may imply that parents can improve the chances of communicating with their children about sex by conveying non-judgemental attitudes, using open communication styles with neutral messages and appearing comfortable whilst displaying positive attitudes towards communication around sex and contraceptive use.Trial registrationISRCTN registry: ISRCTN12727868, (4 March 2016).

Impact of Parental Communication on African American Adolescent Sexual Behavior: A Mini Literature Review

Many adolescents are engaging in risky sexual behaviors, which can ultimately lead to adverse health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections and/or teen pregnancy. Research has shown that youth aged 15–24 account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections acquired each year in the United States. This paper examined the effect of parental communication on African American adolescent sexual behaviors. A narrative literature review was completed in order to identify common themes across articles. Analyses indicated parental communication is associated with increased safe sex practices. More specifically, breadth of content, and open parental communication style were shown to be associated with safer sex practices. However, frequency/timing of parental teen sexual communication (PTSC) was not examined within the selected articles. Additionally, results indicated significant differences in PTSC topics discussed between male and female adolescents. Researchers and health educators alike should consider parental involvement in community and school-based sex education programs to help increase adolescent safe sex practices.

Conducting Studies on Person-Centered Career Interest Profiles: An Illustrative Example in Hong Kong

Among the approaches to the study of career interests, the person-centered profile approach (i.e., studying the career interest profiles of individuals), rather than the traditional construct-centered approach, has gained more attention in recent years. In our research, we intend to advance our understanding of career interests with the person-centered profile approach and address some important conceptual and methodological issues raised by previous studies. Based on the cultural context of Hong Kong after the 1997 handover, we hypothesized four general career interest profiles for Hong Kong high school graduates. Using a sample of senior secondary school graduates who were not admitted into undergraduate programs and a cohort sample of first-year university students, we found support for this hypothesis. This classification was validated by its relationships with career decisiveness, parents’ open communication style, and life satisfaction. Our research provides guidelines to test the validity of the proposed forms of career interest profiles.

How Does Pubertal Development Impact Caregiver-Adolescent Communication About Sex in Rural, African American Families? An Examination of Mediation Effects

This study examined the relationship between pubertal development and type of caregiver-adolescent communication about sex (CACS) among 441 African American caregivers participating in an intervention trial in rural North Carolina. We assessed CACS about general sexual health topics and positive aspects of sexuality. Caregivers’ attitudes and self-efficacy for CACS, and open communication style were examined as potential mediators. Caregivers engaged in low levels of communication about sex regardless of type. Among caregivers of males, pubertal development was associated with greater communication about general sexual health, which was mediated by self-efficacy for CACS. Among caregivers of females, pubertal development was associated with less communication about general and positive sexual health topics; however, there were no mediating factors. These findings highlight the predictors of CACS among young men and women after pubertal onset. Age appropriate, practical guidance for initiating CACS may be critical for ensuring caregiver talk about sex.

Older Patients' Views of Health Care Interactions in Ireland.

Background:Chronic and sensitive health conditions such as pain, urinary incontinence, and hearing loss are common but often untreated among older adults in Ireland, and many patients do not disclose these and other sensitive health issues to their health care provider.Objective:This study investigates the link between provider communication and older patients' perceived encouragement to talk about physical, social, sensitive, and emotional problems with their usual source of care (USC), be it a doctor or nurse.Methods:Data were from the Irish sample of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; N = 720). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association among (1) patient characteristics, (2) health care use, and (3) USC communication characteristics and the likelihood of feeling encouraged to talk about each health problem. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) with confidence intervals at the 95% level.Key Results:More patients felt discouraged to talk about social (39%) and sensitive (42%) health problems with their USC compared with physical (18%) and emotional (29%) health problems. Many participants reported that their USC rarely or never explained the results of medical examinations (23.6%), explained different treatment options (26.2%), or listened to their opinions or preferences when making treatment decisions (29.1%). A USC “explaining test results” was associated with increased odds of feeling encouraged to discuss physical (OR = 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.15, 6.91]) and social (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.01, 4.04]) problems. “Listening to patient preferences” was associated with increased odds of feeling encouraged to discuss physical (OR = 4.49; 95% CI [2.24–9.01]), emotional (OR = 2.31, 95% CI [1.27, 4.21]), and social (OR = 2.88, 95% CI [1.60, 5.18]) problems. Controlling for USC communication characteristics attenuated the association between lower educational attainment and perceived encouragement.Conclusions:An open and patient-centered communication style was associated with a greater sense of encouragement to discuss physical, emotional, and social health problems, particularly among older patients with lower levels of education. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2018;2(4):e180–e191.]Plain Language Summary:This is the first study in Ireland to investigate the link between the communication styles used by health care providers and to what extent older patients felt encouraged to talk about physical, emotional, social, or sensitive health problems. When providers took a more patient-centered approach, these patients felt more encouraged to disclose physical, social, and emotional health problems.