Morman, Mark T.Berry, Mary Louise.Baylor University. Dept. of Communication Studies.2007-08-212007-08-2120072007-08-21http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5037Includes bibliographical references (p. 22-23).The modern family system is truly being widened by research into the field of extended family. Within this expansion, the role of aunt has immerged as an important, yet understudied relationship. Extant research on aunting has been limited to the perspective of strictly the nieces and nephews involved, creating a one-sided representation of the aunt relationship. The current study examines the perspectives of both the aunt and niece, shedding light on the more mutually dependant nature of the relationship. Both aunt and niece make decisions that influence the relationship and together, these mutual choices help shape this unique family dyad. The aunting relationship has the potential to escape the constraints of both the parent and friend roles to develop a unique form of its own.v, 23 p. : ill.158708 bytes79497 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Communication in the family.Nieces -- Family relationships.Aunts -- Family relationships.ThesisWorldwide access