The Family Communication Sourcebook provides an in-depth examination of contemporary theory and research in the area of family communication. It frames current research practices and approaches with a historical overview of how the field developed. The authors, whose work is spotlighted in this volume, find their disciplinary home in the field of communication. Thus, the book focuses specifically on how communication presents a unique window into family practices as well as shapes scholars' definitions and approaches to family.

The book is divided into four sections to fully map the area of family communication:

- Defining and Interpreting the Family;

- Theoretical and Methodological Considerations;

- Internal Family Dynamic;

- External Structural Frameworks.

Preface - Lynn H. Turner and Richard West
Introduction: A Reflective View on the Development of Family Communication - L. Edna Rogers
Part I: Defining and Interpreting the Family
1. Diversity¿s Impact on Defining the Family: Discourse-Dependence and Identity - Kathleen M. Galvin
2. Defining the Family Through Relationships - Kory Floyd, Alan C. Mikkelson, and Jeff Judd
Part II: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations
3. Theories and Methatheories to Explain Family Communication: An Overview - Teresa C. Sabourin
4. Established and Promising Models for Family Communication Research - Deborah S. Ballard-Reisch and Daniel J. Weigel
5. Methodological Approaches to the Study of Family Communication - Sandra Metts and Emily Lamb
Part III: Internal Family Dynamics
Storytelling
6. Family Storytelling as Communication Practice - Kristin M. Langellier and Eric E. Peterson
7. Cover Stories as Family Communication Practice - Theresa L. Hest, Judy C. Pearson, and Jeffrey T. Child
Conflict
8. Mulling About Family Conflict and Communication: What We Know and What We Need to Know - Michael E. Roloff and Courtney Waite Miller
9. Family Conflict and Adolescents - Patricia Noller, Sharon Atkin, Judith A. Feeney, and Candida Peterson
Intimacy
10. "That Dear Octopus": A Family-Based Model of Intimacy - Megan K. Foley and Steve Duck
11. When "Friendly Advice" Becomes a Privacy Dilemma for Pregnant Couples: Applying Communication Privacy Management Theory - Sandra Petronio and Susanne M. Jones
Discipline
12. Orchestrating and Directing Domestic Potential Through Communication: Toward a Positive Reframing of "Discipline" - Thomas J. Socha
13. Parental Physical Negative Touch and Child Noncompliance in Abusive, Neglectful, and Comparison Families: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies - Steven R. Wilson, Xiaowei Shi, Lisa Tirmenstein, Alda Norris, and Jessica J. Rack
Rituals
14. Family Rituals - Leslie A. Baxter and Dawn O. Braithwaite
15. Ritual (In)Activity in Postbereaved Stepfamilies - Leah E. Bryant
Part IV: External Structural Frameworks
Media-Family Interface
16. Implications of Living in a Wired Family: New Directions in Family and Media Research - J. Alison Bryant and Jennings Bryant
17. Cyberkids: The Influence of Mediation and Motivation on Children's Use of and Attitudes Toward the Internet - Alison Alexander, Seok Kang, and Yeora Kim
Work-Family Interface
18. Employees "Without" Families: Discourses of Family as an External Constraint to Work-Life Balance - Kristen Lucas and Patrice M. Buzzanell
19. Communicating Contradictions: (Re)Producing Dialectical Tensions Through Work, Family, and Balance Socialization Messages - Caryn E. Medved and Elizabeth E. Graham
Religion-Family Interface
20. Relational Dynamics in Interfaith Marriage - Patrick C. Hughes and Fran C. Dickson
21. Women Belong in the...Pulpit: Family and Professional Tensions in the Lives of Southern Baptist Women Pastors - Helen Sterk and Rebecca Kallemeyn
School-Family Interface
22. Family-School Relationships: Theoretical Perspectives and Concerns - Pamela Cooper
23. The Impact of Parents¿ Use of Hurtful Messages on Adult Children¿s Self-Esteem and Educational Motivation - Scott A. Myers, Paul Schrodt, and Christine E. Rittenour
Health Care-Family Interface
24. Interrelations Between Family Communication and Health Communication - Loretta L. Pecchioni, Teresa L. Thompson, and Dustin J. Anderson
25. Dialectical Tensions in Families Experiencing Acute Health Issues: Stroke Survivors' Perceptions - Donna R. Pawlowski
Epilogue: The Future of Family Communication Theory and Research - Mary Anne Fitzpatrick
Author Index
Subject Index
About the Editors
About the Contributors