Relationship between Family Communication Patterns and Conflict Management Styles of Adolescents in Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu State

Abstract

This study determined the association between family communication patterns and conflict management styles of adolescents in Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu state. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed. The population comprised 5,238 students in the 16 secondary schools in the study area. A multi-stage sampling procedure was applied to select 360 pupils
that served as samples for the study. Three objectives guided the study. The instruments for data collection were two standardized questionnaires and a structured questionnaire that was validated by three lecturers from the Department of Home Science and Management. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Findings showed that 93.3% of the respondents communicated in a consensual pattern and had high conformity orientation and high conversation orientation within their family. A greater proportion (35.6%) of the respondents expressed a collaborative conflict management style. The respondents agreed that people’s beliefs and values with a mean of 3.04, a person’s ability or inability to communicate effectively (2.97), and an individual’s personality type (2.91), were some factors associated with the conflict management style of adolescents. Factors associated with family communication patterns as identified by the respondents included the religion of family members with a mean of 2.86, parent-child and sibling relationships (2.82), and communication skills of family members (2.78). Family communication pattern was significantly associated with conflict management styles of adolescents at p < 0.05 level of significance. The study recommended that a proper family communication pattern should be mphasized as it influences adolescents’ conflict management style