Relationships Between Final Conversations with Self-Esteem and Relational Satisfaction
Disciplines
Health Communication | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Death is taboo and families underestimate the need to talk about final wishes and wills, among other end-of-life (EoL) related issues. Having EoL conversations allows final wishes to be better satisfied, alleviates needless suffering, and creates an opportunity for a good death. EoL communication can also impact outcomes for family members and caregivers alike. Personal growth (PG) allows family members to say goodbye, connect, show love, and explore their own identities. Additionally, EoL conversations can contribute to PG and coping following the death of a parent, however, there is a lack of research on just how having these final conversations (FC) are related to self-esteem and relational satisfaction following the death of a parent. Analyses revealed that there appears to be significant relationships between EoL conversations with self-esteem and relational satisfaction. Implications are discussed along with limitations and future directions of research.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Communication & Media
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Emily Scheinfeld
Relationships Between Final Conversations with Self-Esteem and Relational Satisfaction
Death is taboo and families underestimate the need to talk about final wishes and wills, among other end-of-life (EoL) related issues. Having EoL conversations allows final wishes to be better satisfied, alleviates needless suffering, and creates an opportunity for a good death. EoL communication can also impact outcomes for family members and caregivers alike. Personal growth (PG) allows family members to say goodbye, connect, show love, and explore their own identities. Additionally, EoL conversations can contribute to PG and coping following the death of a parent, however, there is a lack of research on just how having these final conversations (FC) are related to self-esteem and relational satisfaction following the death of a parent. Analyses revealed that there appears to be significant relationships between EoL conversations with self-esteem and relational satisfaction. Implications are discussed along with limitations and future directions of research.