Application of Communication Models & Theories in Family Resource Management

Family dynamics can be studied through communication theories.

Family resource management services are those aimed at improving family relationships. In both inpatient and outpatient situations, the services focus on prevention of abuse, mentoring, support and treatment.

Communication Models and Theories

Studies in the field of communication include different models and theories of how both individuals and groups interact with others. These theories are often successfully applied to family relationships.

Cybernetic Model

The cybernetic model of communication focuses on using communication as the link connecting different parts of the system. For family resource management services, the family would serve as the system. The model can be used to determine how the family acts as a whole, rather than individual parts.

Group Theory

In communication, a "group" is defined as between 3 and 20 people. This theory studies family members and how they fulfill each others' needs.

Muted Group Theory

According to communication theorist Cheris Kramerae, women are a muted group in society because language is created by men. Kramerae's theory can be cross-applied in the family resource setting by examining how men and women interact differently within families.

Elaboration Likelihood Model

Communication scholars Richard Petty and John Cacioppo first coined the elaboration likelihood model, which studies how persuasion occurs. This model can be viewed through the lens of family dynamics to help understand a family's decision making processes.

References

• Family Resource Center
• "A First Look at Communication Theory"; E. Griffin; 2009