Communication Matters: Gender Variations in Openness, Affection and Support within Ghanaian Families

This study investigated family communication standards among young adults in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The research assessed key dimensions of family communication, including openness, politeness, emotional support and structural stability. A descriptive survey design was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to assess overall perceptions of each communication standard, while independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine gender differences. The findings indicated that young adults generally perceived high levels of family communication across all assessed dimensions. Following the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, significant gender differences were observed in openness, emotional and instrumental support and humour and sarcasm, with females reporting higher levels than males. No significant gender differences were found in expression of affection and routine interaction, mindreading, structural stability, politeness, discipline, or avoidance. The findings suggest that gender differences in family communication are more evident in relational, emotional and socially expressive dimensions than in broader family norms concerning structure, respect and discipline. The study concludes that strengthening openness, emotional and instrumental support and positive relational interaction may promote healthy family communication among young adults. It recommends that parents, educators and practitioners promote communication practices that support emotional expression and relational connection while recognizing the influence of gender and Ghanaian cultural expectations on family communication.