Narrating The Past, Enhancing The Present: The Effects Of Genealogical Communication On Family Satisfaction

Abstract

This study explored the association between genealogical communication, family communication patterns, and family satisfaction. The theoretical framework was built using previous research on family kinkeepers, family communication patterns, and narrative theory. Data was collected from 319 individuals via online survey, in which they were asked about their family communication patterns, satisfaction with immediate and extended family, and their family's genealogical communication habits. Results revealed four genealogical communication behaviors: engagement, perspective, personal research, and dark side. Family communication patterns then predicted these genealogical communication behaviors, which in turn predicted family satisfaction. Genealogical communication behaviors also emerged as mediators between family communication patterns and family satisfaction. Overall, perspective emerged as the strongest predictor of family satisfaction. Additionally, this study yielded a new genealogical communication measure. The theoretical, methodical, and practical implications of the findings are discussed.