Ambiguous Divorce-Related Communication, Relational Closeness, Relational Satisfaction, and Communication Satisfaction

Abstract

Using Communication Privacy Management theory, the study argues parents' ambiguity during divorce-related stressor conversations influence parents' and young adult children's relational closeness, satisfaction, and communication satisfaction. Thirty-nine parent-young adult child dyads discussed a divorce-related stressor and reported their thoughts. Hierarchical regression models indicated children's perceptions of parents' ambiguity predicted lower communication satisfaction; however, parents' use of ambiguity was unrelated to relational closeness, satisfaction, or communication satisfaction. Tolerance for ambiguity did not moderate the relationships. Results suggest that offspring may not want detailed information; perceiving parents to use minimal ambiguity may contribute to lower communication satisfaction after discussing divorce-related stressors.

A Multidimensional Perspective on Former Spouses' Ongoing Relationships: Associations With Children's Postdivorce Well‐Being

“…However, based on family systems theory, each dimension has the potential to influence children's well‐being by shaping family dynamics after parental divorce. For example, boundary ambiguity between divorced parents may create a family system that is less predictable for children, increase children's exposure to interparental conflict, or lead to parents making inappropriate disclosures to children (Afifi et al, 2006; DiVerniero, 2013; McManus & Nussbaum, 2011; Schrodt & Afifi, 2018). Depending on its content, quality, and frequency, general communication (i.e., communication unrelated to children or childrearing responsibilities) between former spouses carries the potential to benefit or undermine children's well‐being (Herrero et al, 2020).…”

Topic Valence and Ambiguity in Parent-Emerging Adult Child Postdivorce Discussions

“…Thus, a parent may use ambiguity when privacy protection rules suggest some information should be disclosed although specific details may not be necessary. Indeed, parents reported using ambiguity when discussing divorce-related stress with emerging adult children; however, it was unrelated to parents' closeness or relational satisfaction (McManus & Nussbaum, 2011a).…”

“…Thus, the meaning children infer may vary significantly or only slightly from a parents' intended message. Although emerging adult children perceived parents' ambiguity in divorce-related stressor communication (McManus & Nussbaum, 2011a), its impact on relational satisfaction and psychological well-being is unclear. Emerging adult children's perceptions of parents' ambiguity was not associated with relational satisfaction and relational closeness in one study (McManus & Nussbaum, 2011b).…”

Adult children’s goals as predictors of communication satisfaction with their parent: The moderating roles of inferences of the parent’s goals and future time perspective of the parent

“…Practically, communication satisfaction is important for adult children and their parents. Children's communication satisfaction has been positively associated with both their own and their parent's relational satisfaction (McManus & Nussbaum, 2011). When parents and children are satisfied with their communication, they maintain their relationships in prosocial ways (e.g., provide assurances to one another, manage conflict constructively; Punyanunt-Carter, 2008).…”