Family Communication Patterns and Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on Young Adults in India

Family communication scholars focus largely on communication as a symbolic practice that humans engage in, to co-construct and negotiate the forming of the family and in the process frame their own identity as well. Family Communication Patterns Theory (FCPT) is one of the most useful and empirically tested theories in the area of family communication, albeit being less explored in the Indian society. The present study aims to understand the family communication patterns of young adults from various cities in India. In addition, owing to the unprecedented circumstances of the current times, the research also aimed to understand the impact of covid-19 lockdown on the family communication patterns. The qualitative study was conducted under the purview of the ethnomethodology paradigm. 10 participants volunteered for a semi-structured interview, conducted abiding to the ethical measures. Findings suggest that the interpersonal communication patterns are in line with the existing literature. In addition, 3 communication patterns namely, assertive communication, empathetic communication and detached communication emerged from the data that suggested the perceived communication patterns of the participants. The data also suggested that the lockdown impacted the perceived functionality and satisfaction of their communication patterns with family members. Findings of the present study substantiate that conformity orientation is practiced more evidently viz conversation orientation in the Indian context. The major themes also sheds light on how the young adults of current generation weave out newer communication patterns to bridge the gap with their family members by creating a subjective reality that is best suited for the family dynamic.