FATHERS ROLE IN FAMILY COMMUNICATION - RE SULTS OF A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY ON CHRONICALLY ILL AND HEALTHY ADOLESCENTS

In this contribution, family communication processes were analyzed in a sample of families caring for chronically ill adolescents compared t o families with healthy adolescents. Fifty-five families had to solve the FIT two times, in 1991 and in 1993. Results elucidated an atmosphe re of consensus, in families with chronically ill adolescents as well as a tendency to discuss less options than in families with healthy ad olescents. Fathers in particular disagreed rarely and gave only indire ct suggestions. In contrast, families with a healthy adolescent showed more vivid discussion and more individuality. Over the time, in all f amilies, fathers emphasized increased separateness with their adolesce nts, irrespective of the gender of the child.