The purposes of this study were to find out general trends of mother-adolescent communication patterns and to analyze communication variables which influence on family cohesion and adaptability. The subjects were 386 high school students and their mothers living in Kwang-ju. PACI and FACESIII were used to measure mother-adolescent communication patterns and family cohesion and adaptability. The results are as follows : Mothers highly perceived open communication pattern with adolescents, but adolescents perceived close communication more. Communication patterns, family cohesion and adaptability showed significant differences in according to communication variables as communication time and satisfaction. Family cohesion and adaptability were significantly different in according to communication patterns. Especially, open communication pattern between mothers and adolescents was the most important in order to increase family cohesion and adaptability.