Child-Parent Communication Apprehension: Understanding Levels of Communication Among Ghanaian Young Adults

Objective: This paper examines Child-Parent Communication Apprehension (C-PCA) among Ghanaian young adults. It explores the levels of communication apprehension, its effects on parent-child communication, and the factors contributing to C-PCA. Theoretical Framework: The Communication Apprehension (CA) theory underpinned the paper, It was first introduced by McCroskey in 1970, and it has undergone considerable evolution thanks to recent research. Method: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The target population consisted of young adults aged 18 to 25, specifically undergraduate students residing in recognized residential halls of the University of Cape Coast. A quantitative approach was used to analyze close-ended questionnaires. The primary instrument was the Child-Parent Communication Apprehension Scale, a 12-item Likert-scale that measures communication apprehension separately for fathers and mothers. Results and Discussion: Findings revealed varying levels of communication apprehension toward parents, with no statistically significant difference in parental relationships between both genders. Both male and female young adults reported similar levels of discomfort, especially when communicating with their fathers, while feeling more at ease with their mothers. Research Implications: The study infers the need for creating family communication and counselling programs that tackle common challenges of male and female young adults. It is essential to encourage open conversations between fathers and children, as well as to adopt communication strategies that are culturally sensitive. These approaches can help foster emotional safety, support youth development, and strengthen family relationships. Originality/Value: It adds to the scarce literature on parent-child communication within African settings, presenting a perspective that is both gender-neutral and culturally aware. Additionally, the study highlights areas for future research, particularly regarding the cultural obstacles to effective communication between fathers and their children, and it promotes the creation of practical solutions that are rooted in the socio-cultural context of Ghana.