Impact of Family Communication on Spanish Adolescents’ Dysfunctional Behaviour on Social Networks

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze the aspects of the communication processes between fathers, mothers and their adolescent children that have a positive or negative effect on the dysfunctional behavior that teenagers display on social networks. The sample consisted of 2399 Spanish adolescents aged 11 to 18 from 6th grade primary to final year at high school. The study used a quantitative methodology based on correlation, discriminant and multivariate analyses. The results show how strong social network dependency, violence and rejection suffered or inflicted online, and social network use to make new friends are all linked to conflict communication styles, in particular offensive over avoidant communication, involving both parents, but mothers slightly more. On the other hand, adolescents who enjoy more open communication with both parents are less dependent on social networks and, generally, display less dysfunctional behavior online.