Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons^™

Conceptualizing Perceived Parental Communicated Acceptance During Parent-Child Religious Difference, Toni Morgan

Department of Communication Studies: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Significant religious difference in the family has become increasingly prevalent in recent years (Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2008; Pew Research Center, 2015). While religious difference is challenging for families to negotiate, the manner in which they communicate about it seems to be helpful in promoting positive outcomes (e.g., Colaner, Soliz, & Nelson, 2014; Hughes & Dickson, 2005). The purpose of this study was to conceptualize parental communicated (non)acceptance in the context of significant parent-child religious difference. To that end, I conducted interviews with 44 adults who identified a significant religious difference with their parent. The interviews also …