The effect of family communication in preventing family problems

The family system, as the cornerstone of society, holds vital importance for a strong state structure and a healthy community. Due to the dynamic nature of the family, failing to give sufficient importance to communication—especially in addressing evolving problems over time—renders proposed solutions inadequate. Weakening intra-family communication, particularly between spouses, leads to alienation, increased emotional distance, and various domestic issues, thereby undermining family unity. Therefore, the role of communication within the family holds critical importance. The literature reveals significant gaps in comprehensive studies that directly examine intra-family communication in resolving family problems, as well as in the availability of valid tools to measure this concept. Based on this gap, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the role and impact of intra-family communication in preventing problems within the family, which is the cornerstone of a healthy social structure, and to develop a scale to measure communication styles between spouses. To achieve this aim, a quantitative research design was adopted, incorporating questions related to socio-demographic and marital characteristics, family-related problems, and communication. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and difference analyses. The study found a significant relationship between family problems and intra-family communication. Findings indicate that emotional support between spouses and communication based on trust and transparency reduce family problems and prevent or resolve conflict dynamics. Based on these results, the "Spousal Communication Scale" was developed, and the importance of supporting healthy communication through family counseling services was emphasized.