ABSTRACT
We are born into a family, mature in a family, form new families, and leave our families upon death. Family life is a universal human experience. Yet, no two individuals share the exact same experience, partly because of the unique communication patterns in each family system. Because the family is such a powerful influence in our lives, we need to examine family relationships to understand ourselves better as members of one of the most complex and important societal groups. Family communication patterns serve to construct as well as reflect familial experience. We create our families just as we are created by these families.
