Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Resilience Communication Mitigates the Negative Relational Effects of Topic Avoidance: Evidence from Parental
Helen M Lillie1, Maria K Venetis2, Skye Chernichky-Karcher3
1Department of Communication Studies, University of Iowa.
Abstract:
Communicating about hardships with close others can be challenging, leading to avoidance of hardship-related topics. Although typically considered relationally damaging, topic avoidance could serve as a beneficial or neutral strategy when paired with relationally affirming communication. The current research investigates if the resilience communication processes outlined in the communication theory of resilience mitigate the negative relational effects of topic avoidance. Hypotheses are tested in two different contexts: sibling communication during parental caregiving (N=207) and spousal communication in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic (N=598). The processes of crafting normalcy, communication networks, and productive action were beneficial across contexts. When participants reported higher engagement in these processes, topic avoidance was not significantly related to relationship satisfaction. At lower engagement levels, topic avoidance was negatively related to relationship satisfaction. Nuance between contexts existed. For example, humor moderated the effect of sibling caregiving topic avoidance but not spousal COVID-19 topic avoidance.
Related Concept Videos
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....

