| Abstract | Using family communication patterns theory, this study tested the degree to which political conversations between young adults and their parents mediate the associations among family communication patterns (FCPs) and shared family identity (SFI). Overall, frequency of political talk with parents did not mediate the associations among FCPs and SFI. Results did indicate that higher family conversation orientation is associated with increased political talk between young adults and their parents, as well as higher SFI with both parents. Evidence did emerge to suggest that conformity orientation moderates conversation orientation and frequency of political conversations and SFI with mother. Additionally, the political ideology/affiliation of both the young adult and parents predicted the frequency of political talk between young adults and their parents. The results of this study extend FCPT by providing insight into the communication orientations that enhance the common in-group categorizations that young adults hold about their parents. |
