A symposium has presentations and discussion by 3-4 experts on a particular topic. A discussant integrates and summarizes the papers, develops implications for policy and practice from the research, and facilitates audience discussion.

Papers listed below are included in this session.

Discussant: Dawn O. Braithwaite
Chair: Erin Sahlstein Parcell

Summary
Research originating from the communication discipline has a history of research at the intersection between family studies and health. For this symposium, family scholars from communication will review distinct areas of research from their areas of expertise, all of which highlight relational influences on health. Caughlin will discuss the practice, process, and implications of withholding health information from family members. McManus will review research focusing on communication about sex between parents and their adult (and older adult) children. Knobloch’s presentation will address the research on depression and relational uncertainty in families. Haverfield will explore the parent-child communication within families that include a parent who abuses alcohol. Segrin will talk about overparenting and its relationship to mental health within the family. Braithwaite will offer her reactions to the panel as well as directions for future family health communication research.

Objectives

• To recognize communication's unique contributions to the study of family health.
• To share research from family communication with an interdisciplinary audience.
• To offer guidance in future family health communication research.

Subject Codes: communication, health, family relations
Population Codes: substance use/abuse, inclusive of adults, inclusive of minor children
Method and Approach Codes: theory [identify specific theory below], ,