This is the first edited volume in the communication field to examine parent-child interaction. It creates a framework for future research in this growing area -- family communication, and more specifically, parent-child communication -- and also suggests new areas of communication research among parents and children -- cultural, work-related, taboo topics, family sex discussions, conflict, and abuse. Chapter authors provide thorough coverage of theoretical approaches, new methods, and emerging contexts including lesbian/gay parent-child relationships. In so doing, they bring a communication perspective to enduring problems of discipline, adolescent conflict, and physical child abuse. The text highlights various methodological approaches -- both quantitative and qualitative -- including conversation analysis, grounded theory, participant-observation, and phenomenological interviewing of children. It also introduces and surveys various theoretical approaches -- general systems, developmental, cultural, and intergenerational transmission.

Contents: A.P. Bochner, Foreword. T.J. Socha, G.H. Stamp, Introduction. Part I:Foundations and Beginnings. L. Stafford, M. Dainton, Parent-Child Communication Within the Family System. J. Yingling, The First Relationship: Infant-Parent Communication. M.D. Dixson, Models and Perspectives of Parent-Child Communication. N.L. Buerkel-Rothfuss, D.S. Fink, R.A. Buerkel, Communication in the Father-Child Dyad: The Intergenerational Transmission Process. Part II:Methodological Frontiers. R.A. Davilla, An Intersubjective Methodology for Studying Children and Families. S.R. Hatfield, L.J. Abrams, Interaction Between Fathers and Their Children in Traditional and Single-Father Families. D. Randall, "Doing" Mother-Daughter: Conversation Analysis and Relational Contexts. Part III:Cultural Frontiers. T.J. Socha, J. Sanchez-Hucles, J. Bromley, B. Kelly, Invisible Parents and Children: Exploring African-American Parent-Child Communication. R. West, L.H. Turner, Communication in Lesbian and Gay Families: Building a Descriptive Base. Part IV:Enduring Topics. C. Warren, Parent-Child Communication About Sex. J. Jorgenson, Marking the Work-Family Boundary: Mother-Child Interaction and Home-Based Work. L.K. Guerrero, W.A. Afifi, What Parents Don't Know: Topic Avoidance in Parent-Child Relationships. Part V:Persistent Problems. D.T. Prusank, Studying Parent-Child Discipline from a Communication Perspective. P. Noller, J.A. Feeney, C.C. Peterson, G. Sheehan, Learning Conflict Patterns in the Family: Links Between Marital, Parental, and Sibling Relationships. S.R. Wilson, E.E. Whipple, Communication, Discipline, and Physical Abuse.