A detailed review of current research and state-of-the-art ideas concerning both communication processes and family functioning is presented in this collection of articles. The volume is organized around three sections. Part 1, "The Development of Family Communication Patterns," contains: (1) "Communication in Infancy" (Marguerite Stevenson Barratt); (2) "The Socialization of Person-Centered Communication: Parents' Contributions to Their Children's Social-Cognitive and Communication Skills" (Brant R. Burleson, Jesse G. Delia, and James L. Applegate); (3) "Parent-Adolescent Relationships" (Patricia Noller); and (4) "Accounts and the Demystification of Courtship" (Catherine A. Surra, Michelle L. Batchelder, and Debra K. Hughes). Part 2, "Family Relationships in Process," contains: (5) "How Parenthood Affects Marriage" (Ted. L. Huston and Anita L. Vangelisti); (6) "Family Interaction During Problem Solving" (Samuel Vuchinich and Joseph Angelelli); (7) "Family Conflict, Divorce, and Children's Adjustment" (Susan Gano-Phillips and Frank D. Fincham); and (8) "Postdivorce Relations" (Sandra Metts and William R. Cupach). Part 3, "Extending Family Boundaries", contains: (9) "Communication in Three Types of Dual-Career Marriages" (Lawrence B. Rosenfeld, Gary L. Bowen, and Jack M. Richman); (10) "Communication Patterns in Stepfamilies: Redefining Family Roles, Themes, and Conflict Styles" (Nancy A. Burrell); (11) "Communication, Gender, and Power: Homosexual Couples as a Case Study" (Sara Steen and Pepper Schwartz); (12) "The Aging Family" (Marie-Louise Mares); and (13)"Communication and Family Culture" (Alan L. Sillars). (AA)