Week 11: Family Communication Patterns
Family Communication Analysis
Instructions
This activity helps you reflect on your own family communication experiences. Take time to think carefully about each prompt. Your responses are private and meant for personal reflection.
1Practice Prompt
Based on the four family communication patterns described in the reading, which pattern best describes your family of origin? Provide specific examples of how conversation and conformity were handled in your family.
Consider how disagreements were handled, whether open discussion was encouraged, and who had authority in decision-making.
2Practice Prompt
Identify two or three roles that existed in your family (peacemaker, achiever, caretaker, rebel, etc.). Who filled these roles? How did these roles affect family communication?
Think about who mediated conflicts, who was expected to succeed, who provided emotional support.
3Practice Prompt
Describe a significant family narrative or story that is frequently told in your family. What values or lessons does this story transmit? How has this narrative shaped your understanding of your family identity?
This could be a story about ancestors, a family challenge overcome, or any frequently repeated tale.
4Practice Prompt
Think about a time of conflict or tension in your family. How did family members communicate during this time? What patterns do you notice? What might you do differently in future family conflicts?
Focus on communication behaviors - who spoke, who was silent, how emotions were expressed or suppressed.