Electronic communication with parents as a predictor of family functioning and adolescents’ life satisfaction

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between electronic media communication (EMC) in family, family functioning and adolescents’ life satisfaction. Methods: The study applied a mixed method approach; it combined the quantitative analysis (anonymous survey conducted in Poland on the sample of 844 students 10-18 years old) and the qualitative analysis (focus groups study - 6 groups of adolescents, 2 groups of parents; 63 participants). The questionnaire contained scales concerning different types of EMC in family (phone use, Skype, texting, e-mail, messenger), family functioning (quality of communication (Family Dynamics Measure II), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), common activities in family, monitoring) and adolescents life satisfaction (Cantril ladder). The guidelines for focus groups study contained questions concerning favorite types of EMC in family and their role in parent-adolescent relationships (controlling, supporting, bonding). Findings: Almost 42% of surveyed adolescents use electronic media for communication with parents every day; the most often phone (everyday: 36,2%) and SMS (everyday: 15,6%). All analysed dimensions of family functioning as well as adolescents' life satisfaction are higher in families using electronic media for everyday parent-child communication. Regression analyses and path analyses revealed that EMC is an indirect predictor of life satisfaction – it facilitates clear communication, support, monitoring and common activities. Both adolescents and parents perceive EMC as a very useful way of controlling children (younger adolescents) and building close relationships (older adolescents). Discussion: Good family functioning is a mediator in relationship between electronic media communication and adolescents life satisfaction.