Root metaphor analysis in marital communication : an alternative method to studying coping mechanisms of dual-career spouses.

This field descriptive study examines the role communication plays in helping dual-career spouses structure their experiences in balancing work and family life. Specifically, the study examines: (1) the content and function of root metaphors used by dual-career spouses to describe their experiences; (2) the content of conversational topics discussed by dual-career spouses in their day-to-day conversations with one another; (3) gender differences in selected metaphors and conversational topics, and; (4) the impact of selected metaphors on organizational outcomes work/home conflict and job satisfaction. Current models of balancing work and family life generally assume work and family impact one another (Zedeck and Mosier, 1990). Moreover, Bacharch et al.(1991) conclude perspectives viewing work and home areas must be examined interdependently rather than as independent issues. Therefore, this study is a first attempt to link specific metaphors used by dual-career spouses to describe their experiences to organizational outcomes work/home conflict and job satisfaction. A sample of 40 dual-career spouses completed an interview-questionnaire asking them to describe their experiences using a metaphorical word or phase and to recount conversational topics they typically discussed with their spouses. Content analysis revealed metaphors and conversational topics function as "marital schemata" (Fitzpatrick, 1988) and aid dual-career spouses in structuring their experiences in balancing work and family life. Moreover, results indicated that no statistical differences were observed with respect to gender or in the relationship between the type of metaphor and organizational outcomes work/home conflict and job satisfaction. Other results and implications are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1992

Author dc:creator

• Frederking, Laura Westmoreland.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Schlueter, David W. (David Walter), 1954-

• Dual-career families.
• Communication in marriage.
• Life skills.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14337

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14337