The Role of Communication Technology in Facilitating Nonresident Father-Teen Relationships: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

The goal of this dissertation was to determine to the role communication technology has in nonresident father-teen relationships. Two studies were conducted to answer this research questions: Study 1, a quantitative, descriptive study (n = 93) mapped the use of communication technology in nonresident father-teen relationships, and Study 2, a qualitative study (n = 10) explored the meaning technology-mediated interactions had for teens who believed technology played an important role in their relationships with nonresident fathers. Study 1 found that nonresident father-teen dyads used mobile phone calls and texting more frequently than other forms of communication technology, and communicated on a monthly basis. Study 2 found that teens' interactions mediated by communication technology helped maintain the father-teen relationship, had a role in family process, and made nonresident fathers and teens feel part of the same world. Results, limitations, and implications for research and practice are discussed.