Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dora Saavedra

Second Advisor

Aje-Ori Agbese

Third Advisor

William F. Strong

Abstract

Affectionate behaviors have biological and physiological implications for humans. Affectionate communication encompasses behaviors that convey affection to the senders and receivers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the role of culture and cultural traditions in the expression of affectionate behaviors among members of the Nigerian Yoruba family. Two focus groups were conducted in which participants (18-39 years of age) identified the affectionate behaviors they use in their families. Participants also shared how they perceived their culture playing a role in their affectionate communication. The findings revealed 18 categories of affectionate behaviors used by Nigerian Yoruba families to express affection. A further examination of the data revealed 7 themes which all focused on the cultural traditions that influence the expression of affectionate behaviors in their culture. Thus, the following cultural traditions – the roles of parent-children in Yoruba societies, oral traditions and storytelling, food culture and gifting practice, norms regarding celebrations and ceremonies, and finally, gender-influenced norms were identified as cultural norms that the focus group members shared played significant roles in what behaviors they termed as affectionate communication.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Tolulope G. Banjo.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/pqdtglobal1/dissertations-theses/cultural-norms-expression-affection-nigerian/docview/3085280086/sem-2?accountid=7119

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