The Importance of Family Communication Pattern in Mental Health of

Senior High School

Enna Janine C. Cabaya

Bon Carlo D. Calledo
Lloyd Austin C. Cantomayor
Kyle David P. Ca ang
Samantha Nicole M. Damaso
Asraida Z. Abdullkarim
Sherlyn Theries Oton
Argie Diagbel
Jhinnery Ortado
Cassandra Dawn Dublin

October 28, 2025

 Chapter 1
Introduction

Background of the Study

During teenage years, individuals undergo substantial changes physically,

emotionally, and mentally. Senior high school students experience lots of stress

because of school-related work, peer relationships, and personal issues. In

recent years, increasing numbers of adolescents have demonstrated anxiety and

depressive signs, especially during and following the onset of the COVID-19

pandemic, a period which contributed to additional stressors at home and at

school. Given that family is fundamental to Filipino culture, families are often the

first source of support in young people's lives. However, families are now

communicating less with one another due to busy lifestyles, financial pressures,

and excessive socialization with electronic devices. Less communication can

restrict the potential for misunderstandings and miscommunications between

parents and children.

Family communication patterns are the typical ways families communicate,

express feelings, and tackle family problems. Some families communicate freely

and actively listen to fellow member's conversations (conversation-oriented),

while others stress adherence to rules and obedience (conformity-oriented).

Research has found that relatively open and caring communication leads

adolescent children to experience a more positive emotional mood state,

whereas poor family communications can lead to negative emotions and mental
health problem. Although being family-oriented is often mentioned in the

cultural context of Filipino families, some adolescents in the Philippines also

question the distance they feel emotionally from their parents and that emotional

distance may lead to different proportions of psychological distress. There is little

research in the Philippines that examines how family communication patterns

influence the mental health of Senior high school students. This study aims to

understand the relationship between family communication patterns and mental

health, and offer schools and families possible ways to better support teenagers

in communication with family members.

Global studies have shown that family communication plays a crucial role

in adolescent mental health. A review by Zadhasa (2023) found that open and

supportive communication patterns are connected to lower levels of anxiety and

depression, while conflictual or avoidant patterns correlate with harmful

outcomes. Drawing on global research emphasizing the role of family dynamics

in adolescent mental health, this study examined the relationship between family

communication patterns and psychological well-being among Iranian

adolescents. A sample of 114 high school students from Shiraz was assessed

using the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1972) and the Family

Communication Patterns Scale (Fitzpatrick & Ritchie, 1994). Reliability was

confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha, and data were analyzed through regression and

correlation methods. Consistent with international findings, results revealed a

significant association between family communication and mental health.

Specifically, the conversation-oriented dimension was a strong predictor of

positive mental health outcomes, while the conformity-oriented dimension

showed no significant predictive value. These findings align with broader global

studies that underscore the importance of open and supportive family

communication in fostering adolescent psychological resilience.

In the Philippines, the family continues to serve as a vital support system

for adolescents, yet rapid societal changes and digital distractions have disrupted

traditional communication patterns. A study by Serrano et al. (2023) in Frontiers

in Psychiatry found that senior high school students in Metro Manila face high

risks of anxiety, depression, and stress, with social support—especially from

family and significant others—acting as a protective factor. Female students and

those with a family history of mental disorders were particularly vulnerable.

Complementing these findings, a 2023 study in BMC Public Health involving

Asian adolescents revealed that poor family communication, often compounded

by family violence and problematic internet use, significantly heightens the risk of

mental health issues. Together, these studies underscore the urgent need to

strengthen family-based communication and support systems to safeguard

adolescent mental well-being.

Although there is an expanding body of literature on adolescent mental

health, very few studies in the context of the Philippines, particularly in provincial

schools such as Notre Dame of Midsayap College, have examined the direct

impact of family communication patterns. Most of the studies have focused on

urban study populations or youth behavior in general. There is a need to examine

different family processes that might influence adolescent mental health but differ

in rural or semi-urban contexts.

The purpose of the present research is to understand how different family

communication patterns influence the mental health of senior high school

students at Notre Dame of Midsayap College. The research aims to explore how

the way families communicate with each other affects the mental health of Senior

High School student, especially in the unique settings of rural and semi-urban

communities.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to examine the importance of family communication

patters in the mental health of the senior high school students at the Notre Dame

of Midsayap College.

Specifically, this study will aim to find answers to the following research

questions:

1. What does family communication look like for the Grade 11 HUMMS

students?

2. How does family communication pattern can affect the mental health of

the Grade 11 HUMSS students?

3. What role does family communication play in students’ ability to cope with

academic and social stress?

Significance of the Study

This research is significant for the following stakeholders:

Students: The study encourages students to consider how their communication

and relationship with family members impact their feelings, stress, and coping

mechanism.

Parents: The study provides parents with recommendation for communicating

with their children in ways that make them feel safe and supported,

demonstrating that open and caring communication can decrease stress and

increase teen emotional resilience, which parents can apply to strengthen their

relationship with their child and support their child's mental health.

Guidance Counselors: These results could inform how they improve wellness

programs and develop better mechanisms for tracking the mental health of

students.

Future Researchers: This study gives a helpful starting point for others who

want to learn more about how family relationships affect the mental health of

teenagers. It can inspire future research that looks at changes over time,

compares different places or groups, and explores the real-life experiences of

Filipino youth. Overall, it adds useful knowledge to help improve understanding of

mental health and family life.

Review of Related Literature

Importance of Family Communication Patterns in the Mental Health of

Senior High School Students

The family serves as the first socializing agent for adolescents, shaping

their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development. Among the various

aspects of family life, communication patterns are recognized as one of the most

critical determinants of adolescents’ mental health. Communication is the

medium through which family members express emotions, share values, and

resolve conflicts, making it central to the maintenance of healthy family

relationships. For senior high school students, who are navigating a period of

rapid change, family communication plays a pivotal role in shaping their coping

mechanisms and overall mental well-being.

Family Communication Patterns (FCP) theory, developed by Koerner and

Fitzpatrick (2002), provides a valuable framework for understanding how family

interaction styles influence adolescent outcomes. The theory identifies two

dimensions of family communication: conversation orientation and conformity

orientation. Families high in conversation orientation emphasize open dialogue,

encourage the free exchange of ideas, and allow children to express their

emotions. This type of environment fosters adolescents’ autonomy, critical

thinking, and emotional regulation. In contrast, families high in conformity

orientation stress obedience, hierarchical authority, and uniformity, often leading

to adolescents’ internalized distress and limited emotional expression.

 Recent empirical studies highlight the impact of family communication on

adolescents’ psychological well-being. Zhou et al. (2023) found that restrictive

communication patterns were strongly correlated with depressive symptoms

among adolescents, with feelings of being unloved and hopelessness emerging

as particularly robust indicators of distress. Similarly, a systematic review by Zapf

et al. (2023) concluded that adolescents who reported higher quality

communication with their parents consistently showed better mental health

outcomes, including reduced anxiety and improved emotional resilience.

The protective role of open communication has also been observed in

studies focusing on stress and coping. Huang et al. (2022) noted that

adolescents in families characterized by open and supportive communication

were more likely to engage in healthy coping mechanisms when facing academic

pressures or social conflicts. Such adolescents reported higher levels of

resilience and self-esteem, as well as fewer symptoms of depression.

Conversely, adolescents who experienced poor communication at home were

more prone to maladaptive coping strategies, including social withdrawal and

substance [Link] mechanisms through which family communication affects

adolescent mental health have been studied extensively. Open communication

fosters emotional validation, wherein adolescents feel heard, understood, and

supported by their parents. This process reduces the risks of rumination, social

isolation, and internalizing symptoms (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002). Moreover,

effective communication facilitates self-disclosure, enabling adolescents to seek

help and guidance when they encounter stressors. Zhou et al. (2023)
 further highlighted that adolescents who perceived their parents as

emotionally responsive demonstrated better mental health than those who

described their families as emotionally distant or critical.

For senior high school students, the balance between autonomy and

parental guidance is particularly critical. Families that foster high levels of

conversation orientation while maintaining moderate conformity provide

adolescents with the freedom to express themselves within a supportive

structure. This balance has been associated with better academic performance,

improved emotional well-being, and lower risks of depression and anxiety (Zapf

et al., 2023). In contrast, overly restrictive communication can undermine

adolescents’ identity formation, increase internalized pressures, and heighten

vulnerability to mental health problems.

Furthermore, the importance of family communication patterns extends

beyond individual emotional outcomes, influencing broader social and behavioral

domains. Research has shown that adolescents who experience supportive

family communication are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as

substance abuse, delinquency, and excessive internet use, all of which are

correlated with poor mental health (Huang et al., 2023). Open communication

also strengthens family cohesion, providing a stable foundation for adolescents

to navigate challenges in school and society.

In conclusion, the literature provides compelling evidence that family

communication patterns significantly affect the mental health of senior high

school students. Open and supportive communication fosters emotional well-

being, resilience, and adaptive coping strategies, whereas restrictive and hostile

communication increases risks of depression, anxiety, and maladaptive

behaviors. These findings highlight the need for educationa institutions and

mental health practitioners to incorporate family-based interventions in their

programs to promote holistic adolescent development.

Family Communication Patterns and Their Influence on the Mental Health

of Senior High School Students

The literature strongly agrees that family communication patterns are a

crucial factor influencing the mental health of adolescents, particularly senior high

school students who are undergoing one of the most emotionally and

academically demanding phases of development. Healthy communication within

the family creates a supportive climate where adolescents can openly express

emotions, seek guidance, and receive validation, which in turn reduces the

likelihood of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress (Koerner &

Fitzpatrick, 2002; Zapf et al., 2023). According to Family Communication

Patterns Theory, conversation-oriented families encourage emotional sharing

and open dialogue, helping adolescents develop stronger coping skills and

emotional resilience. In contrast, conformity-oriented communication prioritizes

obedience, silence, and authority, which may discourage adolescents from

voicing their struggles and can result in emotional suppression, leading to poorer

mental health outcomes (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002).

 Several studies provide evidence that communication quality at home

directly shapes adolescent mental health. Zapf et al. (2023) emphasized that

adolescents who experience supportive communication from parents are less

likely to develop depression and suicidal ideation. When communication is

absent, hostile, or critical, adolescents often feel rejected or misunderstood,

which increases internalizing symptoms. In the same way, Huang et al. (2022)

revealed that strong family functioning — including warmth, emotional

responsiveness, and consistent communication — acts as a protective factor

against depression, while poor communication increases emotional insecurity

and vulnerability to mental health disorders (Huang et al., 2023). These findings

support the idea that home interactions are not neutral; they either serve as

emotional safety nets or stressors.

This pattern is especially relevant for senior high school students, who

face numerous stressors such as academic pressure, changing social identities,

and preparation for adulthood. Studies show that when students navigate these

stressors without supportive communication at home, they become more prone

to anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms (Cebu, 2023; Tus, 2020). Zhou et

al. (2023) further demonstrated that adolescents who feel emotionally neglected

or unheard by their parents develop stronger feelings of loneliness and

hopelessness — powerful predictors of depression. Conversely, when

adolescents feel listened to, validated, and guided, they report higher

psychological well-being, better self-esteem, and improved academic adjustment

(Zapf et al., 2023). This implies that family communication is not only emotionally
protective but also connected to better functioning in school, where mental health

and academic success are deeply intertwined.

Overall, the literature converges on the conclusion that family

communication patterns play a decisive role in protecting or harming the mental

health of senior high school students. Open, supportive, and empathetic

communication fosters resilience, emotional stability, and positive coping, while

neglectful, authoritarian, or conflict-ridden communication patterns heighten the

risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, strengthening

communication between parents and adolescents is essential in promoting

mental well-being. In the context of senior high school students — who are

particularly vulnerable to emotional distress — improving family communication

patterns should be viewed as a vital strategy for mental-health prevention and

intervention.

Academic Stress and Its Influence on the Mental Health of Senior High

School Students

Academic stress is one of the most critical determinants of adolescent

mental health in the senior high school stage, where students are confronted with

heavy academic workloads, high-stakes examinations, strict performance

standards, and pressure to meet expectations from both school and home.

Ghatol (2017) emphasized that senior high school students often experience

intense academic pressure due to continuous assessments, overwhelming tasks,

and competition in academic environments. These academic demands can push

students beyond their coping thresholds, increasing their risk of anxiety,

emotional exhaustion, and psychological distress.

In the Philippine context, Cebu (2023) found that academic-related

pressures significantly contribute to stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among

senior high school students. The study highlights that students who are exposed

to unrelenting academic stress without emotional support from parents or

teachers are more susceptible to negative cognitive and emotional outcomes.

Similarly, Tus (2020) revealed that academic stress can weaken intrinsic

motivation and lead to declining academic performance, which in turn worsens

students’ self-esteem and emotional stability. This negative cycle underscores

how academic stress becomes both a cause and result of mental health strain

among adolescents.

However, research consistently shows that academic stress does not

operate alone—it is closely influenced by the home atmosphere and patterns of

family communication. Bandhana and Sharma (2010) noted that a supportive

home environment, particularly one grounded in open communication, can

significantly reduce students’ academic stress levels. When parents actively

listen, validate their child’s emotions, and engage in positive communication,

students feel safer expressing their academic struggles, allowing them to develop

healthier coping mechanisms. In contrast, homes characterized by criticism,

conflict, or emotional neglect heighten students’ academic pressure, leading to

feelings of isolation, self-doubt, and hopelessness.

These findings align strongly with research on family communication

patterns. Zhou et al. (2023) revealed that adolescents who perceive

communication at home as cold, critical, or unresponsive report higher rates of

depressive symptoms, particularly when academic stress is present. Poor

communication amplifies stress by creating emotional barriers between students

and their parents, depriving them of one of the most important protective factors

during periods of academic difficulty: emotional support. Conversely, open,

warm, and frequent communication promotes emotional resilience, better stress

regulation, and improved mental well-being (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002).

Academic stress therefore becomes a trigger, while family communication

patterns act as a moderator of mental health outcomes. When students are able

to communicate their fears and burdens to their parents, the emotional load of

academic pressure becomes more manageable. This buffering effect is critical

because adolescence is a period when individuals are still developing emotional

regulation skills and rely heavily on their families as their primary support system.

Zapf et al. (2023) further emphasized that parent–child communication quality is

one of the strongest predictors of adolescent mental health, demonstrating its

significance in reducing the psychological burden of school-related stress.

Overall, the literature shows that academic stress is a major contributor to

adolescent mental health problems, but its impact significantly depends on the
presence or absence of healthy family communication patterns. Open,

empathetic, and supportive communication within the family not only reduces

stress but helps students build resilience, enhancing their capacity to cope with

academic challenges. Thus, understanding academic stress within the context of

family communication provides a deeper explanation of why some senior high

school students thrive while others develop mental health difficulties under the

same academic conditions.

 Chapter 2

Methodology

This chapter presents the research methods and procedures employed in

investigating the importance of family communication patterns in the mental health of

senior high school students. It describes the research design, research environment,

role of the researchers, participants, data collection methods, data analysis, and the

strategies urtaken to ensure trustworthiness, dependability, and adherence to ethical

considerations.

Research Design

This study employed a qualitative research design, specifically a

phenomenological approach, to explore and understand the lived experiences of senior

high school students regarding family communication patterns and how it can affect their

mental health. The phenomenological approach was chosen because it seeks to capture

the essence of personal experiences, giving voice to students’ perspectives on how

family communication patterns can affect their emotional well-being, coping strategies,

and overall mental health.

Role of the Researchers

In this study, the researchers play an important role in gathering and

understanding the data. They act as interviewers who guide the conversations and

ensure that participants feel safe and respected while sharing their experiences. The

researchers remain neutral by avoiding personal opinions, listening carefully, and asking

follow-up questions when needed. After the interviews, they are responsible for writing
down the answers, organizing the information, and identifying common themes. All of

this is done while protecting the participants’ privacy and well-being.

Research Environment

The study will be in Notre Dame of Midsayap College, located in

Poblacion 5, Midsayap, North Cotabato. The Notre Dame of Midsayap College is

selected as the research site because it provides a supportive environment for

exploring issues concerning the mental health of senior high school students.

The school also implements programs that emphasize psychosocial support,

making it an appropriate setting for gathering meaningful insights into the topic.

Participants

The participants of this study are Grade 11 HUMSS students enrolled in

the academic year 2025–2026. Purposive sampling is used to identify students

who meet the following criteria:

(a) currently enroll in the senior high school program,

(b) reside with their families, and

(c) are willing to share their experiences about family communication patterns

and mental health. A total of 3 students are selected to participate. Diversity in

terms of strand, sex, and family background is ensured to capture a wide range

of perspectives.
Data Collection Methods

Data are collected through semi-structured interviews. An interview guide

is prepared, focusing on questions related to family communication patterns,

emotional support within the household, conflict management, and the perceived

effects of these patterns on students’ mental health. This method allows flexibility

for probing questions, enabling participants to elaborate on their personal

experiences and provide deeper insights.

To establish trustworthiness, pilot interviews are conducted to refine the interview

guide. All interviews are audio-recorded (with consent) and transcribed verbatim

for analysis. Field notes are also taken to capture non-verbal cues and contextual

details during the interview sessions.

Data Analysis

The study employs thematic analysis to interpret the qualitative data.

Following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step process, the researchers familiarize

themselves with the transcripts, generate initial codes, search for recurring

patterns, review themes, define and name themes, and produce a coherent

report. This systematic analysis allows the researchers to identify commonalities

and differences in participants’ experiences, particularly how family

communication patterns influence their mental health

Trustworthiness of the Study

To make sure that this study is trustworthy and accurately reflects the

experiences of senior high school students, four important criteria were followed:

credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability. These served as the

foundation in ensuring that the voices of the participants were presented truthfully

and fairly.

Credibility.

Credibility was achieved by being faithful to the students’ actual

experiences and perspectives. During the interviews, the researchers carefully

listened and avoided making assumptions or rushing into conclusions. To

double-check the accuracy of the data, participants were given the chance to

review their answers through member checking. Triangulation was also done by

combining interview transcripts, researchers’ field notes, and peer debriefing,

which added depth and reliability to the findings.

Confirmability.

Confirmability focused on making sure that the results were based on the

students’ stories and not influenced by the researchers’ personal views. To do

this, the researchers wrote reflective notes after each interview, recorded all

sessions, and created verbatim transcripts. This process ensured that the

findings truly came from the participants themselves, not from outside biases.

Transferability.
 Transferability was ensured by providing rich descriptions of the

participants, their family communication patterns, and the school environment. By

giving detailed accounts, readers and future researchers can decide if the results

of this study can also apply to other students in similar situations.

Dependability.

Dependability was established by making the research process consistent

and well-documented. From how participants were chosen to how the data was

analyzed, every step was recorded in an audit trail. This clear documentation,

along with peer checking, guarantees that the process can be repeated and

would still produce similar findings.

Ethical Considerations

The researcher will obtain authorization from the school administration

and secure informed consent from all participants. Confidentiality and anonymity

will be upheld, and participants may withdraw from the study at any time without

consequences. All audio recordings will be stored safely and will be permanently

deleted once the analysis is completed.

 References

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Huang, X., et al. (2022). Family functioning as a protective factor for adolescent

depression: Implications for prevention. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 859203.

[Link]

Huang, X., et al. (2023). Family communication, family violence, and adolescent

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[Link]

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[Link]

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depression: Network analysis linking family communication patterns and

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[Link]

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Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, 4(1), 1–14.

Ghatol, S. D. (2017). Academic stress among higher secondary school students:

A review. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education &

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Koerner, A. F., & Fitzpatrick, M. A. (2002). Toward a theory of family

communication. Communication Theory, 12(1), 70–91.

Tus, J. (2020). The link between academic stress, academic motivation, and

senior high school students’ academic achievement. Asian Journal of

Multidisciplinary Studies, 8(11), 29–37.

Zapf, H., et al. (2023). Parent–child communication quality and adolescent

mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescence, 96, 25–37.

Zhou, H. Y., et al. (2023). Feeling unloved is the most robust sign of adolescent

depression: Network analysis linking family communication patterns and

depressive symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders, 335, 129–138.