SayPro DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION STYLES AND PATTERNS WITHIN FAMILIES;

Family communication stylesAlthough communicating with family members may seem complex at times, family communication styles can be broken down into two major constructs: clearness of the message and directness of the communication. There are four basic communication styles: clear and direct, clear and indirect, masked and direct and masked and indirect. Clarity in communication refers to how easily a message is understood, while directness refers to whether the message is spoken directly to the person for whom it was intended.

• Clear and Direct Communication

Clear and direct communication is considered the healthiest form of communication in families. Clear and direct communication occurs when a message is stated plainly and directly to the person for whom the message is intended. An example of clear and direct communication is a statement such as "Honey, I’m so proud of you for completing your homework early."

• Clear and Indirect Communication

In clear and indirect communication, a message is clearly communicated, but the person for whom the message is intended is not clear. This type of communication in a family can be problematic, because the message may be generalized to multiple family members. "I’m disappointed that the dishes weren’t washed tonight" sends a clear message, but does not address directly the person for whom the message is intended.

• Masked and Direct Communication

Masked and direct communication occurs when a family member is directly identified, but the message communicated is not. Masked communication may be viewed as passive-aggressive, because it vaguely discusses concerns without directly addressing them. If you are upset with your son for not cleaning his room, stating "Son, some people just don’t know how to keep their home clean" clearly identifies that you are speaking to your son, but does not clearly state your message.

• Masked and Indirect Communication

The least effective method of communication is masked and indirect communication. This communication style does not identify the intended recipient for the message, nor does it clearly state the message that you are trying to convey. A statement such as "People don’t care about keeping a clean house anymore," is both vague and does not directly identify any one person in the family.

• Reframing

The key to effective communication is realizing when you are using an ineffective method of communication and then reframing your statements to be both direct and clear. Indirect and masked styles of communication can lead to confusion and frustration within your family. Whenever possible, reframe your statements to be both clear and direct to avoid confusion and frustration due to miscommunication.Types of Communication Patterns in FamiliesMost families have trouble communicating from time to time. However, if conflict abounds, knowing your communication patterns may help you understand why problems arise. All families fall either high or low on two orientations: conversation and conformity. Depending on your family’s location on these two continuums, you will fall within one of four family communication types.

• Consensual

Families with a consensual type of communication value open conversation, but also conformity within the family unit, according to professor of communications Ascan F. Koerner, Ph.D., in the article "Family Communication Patterns Theory." Family members communicate freely about thoughts, feelings and activities, but at the same time, parents are the final decision-makers about important issues. These two somewhat conflicting orientations lead to tensions, caused by a desire to be open but also have control. In these families, parents usually spend a lot of time explaining their decisions, values and beliefs, and their children learn to value conversation and often adopt the family value system. Families of this nature try to avoid conflict, as it threatens the hierarchical structure in which the parents make choices for the family.

• Pluralistic

Pluralistic families are oriented toward conversation and away from conformity. Parents in these families believe in the value of "life lessons," and expect their children to develop through their interactions with people outside the family unit. Decisions are made as a family, with everyone having equal input. These families also engage in open conflict resolution. They are not afraid of disagreements, and have developed good strategies to resolve differences. Children from pluralistic families learn to be independent, and have confidence in their ability to make decisions.

• Protective

Protective families do not value open conversation and are oriented toward conformity. In these families, you are likely to hear the parent say, "Because I said so," state Koerner and Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, in the article "Toward a Theory of Family Communication." Children are expected to obey their parents, and parents do not usually share the reasoning for their decisions. Conflict is usually low in these families, because children are oriented toward behaving in accordance with the family norms. However, if conflict does arise, members of these families are ill-equipped to handle the situation. In general, children from these families do not learn to trust their own ability to make decisions.

• Laissez-Faire

Laissez-faire families value neither conversation nor conformity. Family members are often described as "emotionally divorced" from one another. Not much is discussed among members of the family, and parents often don’t have an interest or investment in the decisions made by their children. Conflicts tend to be rare in these family situations, as everyone is free to do as they want, however children do not learn the value of conversation, argue Koerner and Fitzpatrick. In addition, because they have little support, they may question their ability to make decisio

Tsakani Stella Rikhotso | Monitoring & Evaluation OfficerSayProWebsite: www.saypro.onlineCell: 27 (0) 713 221 522Email: tsakaniStudy and Qualifications www.saypro.onlineOur Company www.saypro.online

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