Summary
Contents
Subject index
The Family Communication Sourcebook provides an in-depth examination of contemporary theory and research in the area of family communication. This unique collection offers a state-of-the art approach by pairing conceptual pieces with original studies in the same general topic area. Editors Lynn H. Turner and Richard West present readers with a thoughtful and thorough exploration of the critical issues facing family communication researchers today.
Ritual (In)Activity in Postbereaved Stepfamilies
Ritual (In)Activity in Postbereaved Stepfamilies
Family rituals function to define family identity. As stepfamilies are formed and maintained, they create a sense of who they are through rituals. Family meanings and affect are expressed through stylized interaction that rituals provide to help individuals interpret and explain experiences (Fiese, 1992; Jorgenson & Bochner, 2004). Essentially, rituals are vital for creating and maintaining family cohesion (Wolin & Bennett, 1984). Wolin and Bennett (1984) define rituals as a “symbolic form of communication that… through its repetition, is acted out in a systematic fashion over time” (p. 401). The special and repetitive nature of rituals that are developed cooperatively helps to stimulate group participation and aids in establishing family identity (Bossard & Boll, ...
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