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McCrimmon J, Widman L, Brasileiro J. Adolescent Barriers to Sexual Communication with Their Parents: Differences by Sexual and Gender Identity. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38905151 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2362899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Parent-adolescent sexual communication has important health benefits for adolescents, yet not all families openly communicate about sex. In particular, adolescents often report various barriers to engaging in sexual communication with their parents. The purpose of this study was to address gaps in past research by examining barriers to communication with both mothers and fathers, separately, as well as to explore the unique barriers to communication among queer and trans adolescents. Participants were recruited via Instagram (n = 566; Mage = 16.0; 57.6% cisgender girls; 41.4% heterosexual). The most endorsed barrier to communicating with mothers was the adolescent believing they already knew enough about sexual topics. The most endorsed barrier for communicating with fathers was embarrassment. The least endorsed barriers included mother's lack of knowledge, and perceptions of anger from fathers when discussing sexuality. Several differences emerged by sexual and gender identity: cisgender girls and trans adolescents tended to agree more with barriers to communication with parents compared to cisgender boys. Additionally, queer adolescents tended to agree more with barriers to communication with parents than their heterosexual peers, although group differences depended on the particular barrier. These findings highlight specific barriers to parent-adolescent sexual communication faced by various groups of youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University
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Astle S, Brasileiro J. Whose Job Is It Anyway? Parents' Perspectives of Responsibilities for Educating Their Children About Sex. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2024; 21:759-773. [PMID: 38948363 PMCID: PMC11213561 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Parents who do not feel responsible for parent-child sexual communication (PCSC) may be missing out on opportunities to engage in PCSC that has protective effects on children's sexual well-being. Using the theory of planned behavior and feminist theory, we explore how parents' PCSC attitudes and demographics are associated with perceptions of who is responsible for PCSC. Methods Using data collected in December 2019 through January 2020 from parents of 6-11-year-olds, we ran chi-square tests, ANOVAs, and logistic regressions to determine how parent PCSC attitudes and other parental factors are associated with parent perceptions of who is responsible for PCSC. Results The majority of parents saw themselves and/or a co-parent as primarily responsible for PCSC about facts and values. Bivariately, parents with higher scores of perceived positive PCSC outcomes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy were more likely to believe that they were solely responsible or shared an equal responsibility for PCSC. Multivariately, mothers and genderqueer parents, parents with the same gender as their child, and parents whose co-parent was less involved in parenting were more likely to report being solely responsible for PCSC. Conclusions Most parents saw themselves or a partner as most responsible for PCSC; parent and child gender were the strongest determinants of parents' perceptions of PCSC responsibility. Policy Implications These results suggest that it may be more effective for parent education to challenge and deconstruct traditional gender roles versus focusing on self-efficacy, norms, and perceived outcomes if we want to increase parents' perceived PCSC responsibility, especially within different-gender parent-child dyads.
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Pariera KL, Brody E. Encouraging Parental Sexual Communication with Teen Sons: A Social Norms Experiment. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:1395-1403. [PMID: 34894919 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.2010352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Parent-child sexual communication is associated with myriad positive sex-related outcomes for young people, but these conversations tend to be infrequent and limited in scope. Using the Social Norms Approach, we hypothesized that learning that other parents talk with their children about sex-related topics would motivate parents to talk about more sex-related topics with their son. In an online experiment, parents in the United States (N = 378) with a son aged 13-16 were asked how many of 30 sex-related topics they had discussed with their son after exposure to one of the two SNA messages or a control. A 30-day follow-up study repeated these questions. The experiment revealed no significant differences between the three conditions, but all three conditions resulted in greater intentions to discuss more topics with their son in the future. Regardless of condition, parents who identify their sons as gay or bisexual talked about more sex-related topics than parents of sons who identify their sons as straight. The results from this study suggest that social norms messages are not more effective at increasing parents' communication intentions. Parents in all conditions planned to discuss more sex-related topics with their son, suggesting that simply bringing these topics to parents' attention may be enough to increase intentions to have these conversations. Findings are discussed in light of motivating and equipping parents to handle these conversations and tailoring educational materials for parents based on their child's sexual and romantic orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina L Pariera
- Department of Organizational Sciences and Communication, The George Washington University
| | - Evan Brody
- Department of Communication, University of Kentucky
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Knopf A, Draucker CB, Fortenberry JD, Ott MA, Arrington-Sanders R, Reirden D, Schneider J, Straub D, Ofner S, Bakoyannis G, Zimet G. Parental Engagement in Consent Processes for Enrollment in Biomedical HIV Prevention Trials: Implications for Minor Adolescents' Willingness to Participate. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:703-711. [PMID: 36646563 PMCID: PMC11114099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.11.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Minor adolescents are often excluded from HIV prevention clinical trials due to unresolved ethical issues. Their under-representation in research leads to delayed access to new HIV prevention approaches. We examine the relationship between consent procedures, trial features, demographic and social characteristics, and minor adolescents' willingness to participate (WTP) in biomedical HIV prevention research. METHODS We recruited 14-17-year-olds at risk of HIV for this quasi-experimental study. Adolescents were randomly assigned to (1) self-consent, (2) adult permission required, or (3) parental permission required and underwent simulated consent procedures for two types of HIV prevention trials. They rated likelihood of participating in each study if offered the opportunity and completed a survey with demographic, social, and behavioral measures. RESULTS One hundred and twenty nine adolescents with diverse identities and socioeconomic status enrolled. Among the 58% of participants who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), 76% were out to at least one parent/guardian (outness). Mean WTP was 3.6 (of 5; 5 = definitely would participate) across all participants and both trial types. We found no evidence of an association between WTP and consent condition, LGBTQ identity, or outness. However, medical mistrust, communication with parents, and concern about HIV were associated with WTP. DISCUSSION Our results suggest adolescents are willing to participate in HIV prevention trials and parental involvement in the consent process may not be the most important deciding factor. However, variation in WTP within consent groups, and variation in other significant variables, underscores the need for individualized approaches to recruitment and consent for these trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Knopf
- Department of Community and Health Systems, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Claire Burke Draucker
- Department of Community and Health Systems, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mary A Ott
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Renata Arrington-Sanders
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Reirden
- Section of Adolescent Medicine & Children's Hospital Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diane Straub
- Section of Adolescent Medicine & Children's Hospital Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan Ofner
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Giorgos Bakoyannis
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gregory Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Flores D, Kornides M, Meanley S. Inclusive and Age-Appropriate Timing of Sexual Health Discussions at Home According to Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Adolescent Males. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:754-762. [PMID: 37062572 PMCID: PMC10111203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The exclusion of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent males' specific sexuality concerns in standard classroom education heightens the need for parents to be primary sources of trusted sexual health information. The aim of this study was to collect GBQ adolescent males' suggestions for a comprehensive list and age-appropriateness of topics that parents may use for inclusive discussions at home throughout the elementary, middle school, and high school years. METHODS Semistructured interviews and card sorts of 48 topics were conducted with a sample of 30 racial and ethnic diverse GBQ adolescents in central North Carolina. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and a calculation of card sort responses followed. RESULTS Topics chosen for elementary-age GBQ youth were focused on core issues about human anatomy, safety, and the continuum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Participants designated the majority of topics for home-based discussions in middle school and emphasized considerations for engaging in sex, relating with others socially, options for HIV/STI risk reduction, issues around interpersonal safety, and pleasure. They reserved topics for high school focused on complex sociorelational issues and technology-based concerns. DISCUSSION Participants' varied rationale for timing of topics centered on the age-appropriateness and level of details that they deemed acceptable for discussions with parents. To address disproportionate negative sexual and mental health outcomes noted in this youth subgroup, parents should focus on being supportive by providing factual and sequential information crucial for their GBQ childrens' anticipated developmental needs and sexual identity milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalmacio Flores
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Melanie Kornides
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven Meanley
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Scheinfeld E. The Role of Shame, Stigma, and Family Communication Patterns in the Decision to Disclose STIs to Parents in Order to Seek Support. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4742. [PMID: 36981650 PMCID: PMC10048974 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is identified as a time of personal growth wherein emerging adults engage in sexual exploration and risky behaviors, potentially resulting in the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Due to the continued reliance on parents for support during this developmental period, emerging adults (EAs) may need to disclose their STI status to their parents. This study applies the health disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM) to extend our understanding of EA disclosures of sensitive health information such as STIs to parents. Data were collected from 204 college students. The results of mediational analyses provided some support for the mediating effects of family communication patterns on the relationship between relational quality and illness assessment (i.e., stigma) and willingness to disclose in a given scenario. The theoretical and practical implications of this are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Scheinfeld
- School of Communication & Media, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
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Abboud S, Flores DD. A Developmental Model of the Sexual Minority Closet: Implications for Arab Immigrant Sexual Minorities and Parent-LGBTQ Child Sex Communication. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023:10.1007/s10508-022-02522-1. [PMID: 36596907 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02522-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Abboud
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, 845 S. Damen Avenue (Office # 854), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Dalmacio D Flores
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Bond KT, Mansour M, Kershaw T, Flores DD. "Whenever you're ready to talk about it": Prompts and barriers to inclusive family sex communication with gay, bisexual, and queer sons. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION 2022; 18:569-593. [PMID: 38213905 PMCID: PMC10783024 DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2141935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite growing evidence that parent-child sex communication (PCSC) is a positive strategy for adolescent sexual health outcomes, there is little research about what prompts and impedes these conversations among parents of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent sons. Using interview data from a multi-method qualitative study, we analyzed parental perspectives (N=15) on non-heteronormative sex communication with GBQ adolescent sons. Our results revealed that parents are most likely to engage in sex communication if they established open communication with their child, accepted their child's sexual orientation, encouraged safe sex practices, and were knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues. Conversely, parents who experience communication discomfort were unable to engage in inclusive and comprehensive sex conversations, thus creating a barrier to effective sex-positive communication. These findings have implications for future research and interventions that promote parents' ability to successfully facilitate conversations about sexual health with their sexuality diverse children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keosha T Bond
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Maikel Mansour
- Department of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, Hartford CT
| | - Dalmacio D Flores
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia PA
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Barnett AP, Brown LK, Crosby R, Craker L, Washington R, Burns PA, Mena LA. Family-Related Factors and HIV-Related Outcomes Among Black Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mississippi. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1548-1563. [PMID: 36318432 PMCID: PMC9628553 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Given their disproportionate HIV incidence, there is a critical need to identify factors related to HIV risk among Black young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the southeastern United States. This study investigated the association of family factors and HIV-related outcomes among Black YMSM in Mississippi ages 14-20 (n = 72). Multivariable regression models evaluated associations of family factors and outcomes. Greater parent/child communication about sex was associated with fewer lifetime male sex partners and lower odds of lifetime anal sex. Greater parental monitoring was associated with greater likelihood of future condom use. Sexual orientation disclosure was associated with more lifetime male sex partners. Parental monitoring and parent/child communication about sex were protective, suggesting that family-based interventions are promising for HIV prevention among Black YMSM in Mississippi. Results also indicated that YMSM who are "out" to family are important to reach, and families could be useful in encouraging healthy behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Barnett
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, 1 Hoppin Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Larry K. Brown
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, 1 Hoppin Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Richard Crosby
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Lacey Craker
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, 1 Hoppin Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,Present Address: Division of Prevention Science and Community Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Rodney Washington
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Paul A. Burns
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Leandro A. Mena
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA ,Present Address: Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
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Chan ASW, Wu D, Lo IPY, Ho JMC, Yan E. Diversity and Inclusion: Impacts on Psychological Wellbeing Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:726343. [PMID: 35572280 PMCID: PMC9105225 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.726343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For scholars, practitioners, and legislators concerned about sexual minority adolescents, one of the main goals is to create more positive and inclusive learning environments for this minority group. Numerous factors, such as repeated patterns of homophobic bullying by classmates and others in school, have been a significant barrier to achieving this goal. In addition, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adolescents encounter substantial inequality across a broad spectrum of wellbeing and education consequences. Compared with their heterosexual counterparts, LGBTQ adolescents experience more anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, antisocial behavior, poorer academic performance, less school attachment and protection, and a weaker desire to finish their studies. Such discrepancies based on gender and sexuality were linked to more maltreatment encountered by LGBTQ adolescents. It is crucial to recognize the backgrounds and expectations of LGBTQ adolescents to offer them the best resources. To overcome the inequality and obstacles faced by these LGBTQ adolescents, it is essential to examine tools and techniques that can be utilized. This study examined the literature that explains why society fails to provide enough support to LGBTQ students. Specifically, mechanisms explaining how LGBTQ adolescents interact with others in the learning environment and how such discrepancies arise will be examined. Following that, violence and prejudice, which are fundamental causes of psychological problems among LGBTQ adolescents, will be explored. This review paper thus provides supportive strategies for schools to develop more inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Siu Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Iris Po Yee Lo
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Mei Chi Ho
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Elsie Yan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Flores DD, Hennessy K, Rosario A, Chung J, Wood S, Kershaw T, Villarruel A, Bauermeister J. Parents ASSIST: Acceptability and Feasibility of a Video-Based Educational Series for Sexuality-Inclusive Communication between Parents and Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:379. [PMID: 35010638 PMCID: PMC8744946 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) between the ages of 13 and 24 are a key population for HIV prevention. The parents of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent males and the sex communication they have with their sons has yet to be explored as an HIV prevention intervention. We developed an online video series called Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks) to educate parents about sexual health topics pertinent to GBQ males. We pilot tested the series with a sample of 54 parents of GBQ males using a single-group post-test design. Participants viewed the videos and completed a survey measuring the acceptability and feasibility of an online video series to educate parents. Most of the parents (70.4%) believed that the videos would make parents more likely to initiate talking about sex with their sons. The results suggest that online videos are an acceptable way for parents to learn about GBQ sexual health topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalmacio D. Flores
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.H.); (A.R.); (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Kate Hennessy
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.H.); (A.R.); (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Andre Rosario
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.H.); (A.R.); (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Jamie Chung
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.H.); (A.R.); (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Sarah Wood
- Craig A. Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Antonia Villarruel
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.H.); (A.R.); (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Jose Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.H.); (A.R.); (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.B.)
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12
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Flores DD, Greene MZ, Taggart T. Parent-Child Sex Communication Prompts, Approaches, Reactions, and Functions According to Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:74. [PMID: 35010332 PMCID: PMC8751024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Minimal research on parent-child sex communication between parents and gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent sons prevents the formulation of interventions that would buffer or brake this youth population's risks for HIV/STI. We sought to describe the perspectives of GBQ adolescent males on this process and the potential ways they think parents can address their sons' informational needs, including countering youth access of sexually explicit media. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with GBQ male youth aged 15-20 years. Thematic and content analysis revealed four central themes: prompts and triggers, parents' approaches, sons' reactions, and the functions assigned to sex communication. Parents can be sources of reliable sexual health information and may be leveraged for future HIV/STI risk reduction work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalmacio D. Flores
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Madelyne Z. Greene
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Tamara Taggart
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 208034, USA
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13
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Kaestle CE, Allen KR, Wesche R, Grafsky EL. Adolescent Sexual Development: A Family Perspective. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:874-890. [PMID: 34003063 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1924605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent sexual development is informed by individual, relational, generational, institutional, and cultural perspectives. Families matter: they are the social institution at the intersection of adolescent development and broader social systems, charged with the responsibility for rearing children and adolescents to adulthood. This narrative review maps insights from family theory and research onto adolescent sexual development research. Our purpose is to inform sexuality researchers from diverse fields about how family perspectives can enrich understanding of adolescent sexual development. We present the critical, intersectional theoretical framework guiding this review as consisting of three meta-themes for understanding families through an examination of family structure, process, and context. Then, we apply those meta-themes to current research on adolescent sexual development by selectively organizing our review around the contexts of family structural diversity and family relational complexity, demonstrating that both the structure and the process components are embedded within the intersectional and cultural contexts that shape and are shaped by families. Our review demonstrates that diverse, intersectional family structures and transitions may affect adolescent sexual development by influencing family processes, particularly around sexual communication. We conclude with implications of using family perspectives for future inquiry related to adolescent sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rose Wesche
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech
| | - Erika L Grafsky
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech
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Cahill SR, Wang TM, Fontenot HB, Geffen SR, Conron KJ, Mayer KH, Johns MM, Avripas SA, Michaels S, Dunville R. Perspectives on Sexual Health, Sexual Health Education, and HIV Prevention From Adolescent (13-18 Years) Sexual Minority Males. J Pediatr Health Care 2021; 35:500-508. [PMID: 34154868 PMCID: PMC8419154 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are at disproportionate risk of HIV infection. The purpose of this study was to assess ASMM's attitudes about sexual health, barriers/facilitators to accessing HIV prevention, and actual versus ideal interactions for receiving sexual health care and information. METHOD Two online and two in-person focus groups were conducted with ASMM from across the United States. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one racially diverse ASMM participated (average age = 16.4 years). Online focus groups were superior for reaching the target population. Four themes emerged: 1: identity formation and sources of support, 2: challenges to obtaining sexual health information, 3: attitudes/beliefs about sex and sexual behaviors, and 4: barriers to HIV prevention. DISCUSSION These findings illustrate current gaps in sexual health knowledge, as well as barriers and facilitators to obtaining sexual health information, sexual health care, and affirming education and support for ASMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Cahill
- Sean R. Cahill, Director of Health Policy Research, The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health; Adjunct Associate Professor of the Practice, Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health; Affiliate Associate Clinical Professor and Visiting Scholar, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA.
| | - Timothy M Wang
- Timothy M. Wang, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Holly B Fontenot
- Holly B. Fontenot, Affiliated Faculty, The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA and Associate Professor & Frances A. Matsuda Chair in Women's Health, School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Sophia R Geffen
- Sophia R. Geffen, HIV Prevention Research Project Manager, The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
| | - Kerith J Conron
- Kerith Conron, Blachford-Cooper Research Director and Distinguished Scholar, The Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Kenneth H. Mayer, Medical Research Director and Co-Director, The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health; Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Michelle M Johns
- Michelle M. John, Health Scientist, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sabrina A Avripas
- Sabrina A. Avripas, Senior Research Director, Public Health, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Stuart Michaels
- Stuart Michaels, Senior Research Scientist, Ogburn-Stouffer Center for the Study of Social Organizations, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Richard Dunville
- Richard Dunville, Deputy Director, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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