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Leyser-Whalen O, Jenkins V. The Continuum of Sexual and Reproductive Health Talk Types Daughters have with Mothers and Siblings. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 19:401-415. [PMID: 35401856 PMCID: PMC8993132 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00553-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is considered an important discussion topic for parents and their children, there is great variance in communication style and contradictory results on the effects of these contrasting styles. Research has explored SRH topics, yet still needs to investigate the types of parent-child SRH conversations to investigate how content gets relayed, and their effects, particularly among college-aged children. METHODS Data come from qualitative interviews in 2013 with 20 undergraduate Latina students about SRH conversations they had with their mothers and siblings. RESULTS Analysis revealed that mother-daughter SRH conversation types fell along a four-category continuum, irrespective of daughters' sexual practices, with open (n = 4) and no talk (n = 3) at the poles. The two middle categories, be careful (n = 6) and responsible sex (n = 7), were limited conversations that provided little guidance and tended to use risk language. Daughters in the no talk and be careful conversation categories tended to be more religious and have higher rates of sexual activity. Daughters' conversations with their siblings, particularly sisters, directly reflected the conversation types that they reported having with their moms. CONCLUSIONS Most daughters made assumptions about their mothers' statements and views due to the lack of straightforward communication and reported that most mothers did not alter their conversation styles to match their daughters' specific sexual histories. Moreover, these conversation styles could potentially affect the whole household due to siblings being other sources of sexual socialization and having talk types that reflected parental talk types, irrespective of siblings' sexual activity. POLICY IMPLICATIONS We recommend more attention and funding for SRH education programs that include extended family, especially siblings, given their importance in sexual socialization, and include college-aged children who still desire, and need, SRH information. Programs should equip parents and children with the tools to navigate multiple SRH conversations that evolve with and are sensitive to children's specific behaviors and circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophra Leyser-Whalen
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Virginia Jenkins
- Department of Sociology, The University of Utah, 390 S 1530 E #301, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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2
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The Family System of Sexuality Communication: Extended Family Perceptions of Adolescent-Family Talk about Sex, with Sibling and Non-Sibling Comparison. SEXES 2021; 2:1-16. [PMID: 34423149 PMCID: PMC8376207 DOI: 10.3390/sexes2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Talk with parents and extended family about sex and relationships can support adolescents’ sexual health. However, few studies explore how parent and extended family communication with adolescents intersect. This study used thematic analysis to assess family roles in talk with teens about sex and relationships among a sample of 39 adult extended family members (such as aunts and uncles, and older siblings and cousins) in the United States. Analyses identified four themes in sexuality communication that address: why adolescents talk to extended family about sex and relationships, family engagement in these conversations, consistency of family messages, and family communication about adolescents. Findings identify variation in how family members interact with adolescents and one another regarding talk about sex and relationships. For example, some participants described family coordination of sexual messages to the teen, while others reported no family communication about this topic. Results also showed similarities and differences in how sibling and non-sibling extended family describe these processes. These findings identify the need to examine family talk about sex and relationships in the context of a larger family system, rather than only within dyadic relationships, and suggests possibilities for family-based interventions to support adolescents’ sexual health.
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Grossman JM, Lynch AD, DeSouza LM, Richer AM. Resources for teens' health: Talk with parents and extended family about sex. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2021; 30:338-349. [PMID: 33776392 PMCID: PMC7996344 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-020-01896-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Communication with family members about sex can protect teens from risky sexual behavior, but most research focuses on teens' communication with parents. Extended family members may also be a source of sexual socialization to support teens' health, but teens' perspectives on communication with extended family about sex have been little explored. The current study aims were to examine similarities and differences in the frequency and content of teens' communication with extended family and parents about sex and to assess whether the content of this communication differs based on teens' gender. This cross-sectional study used structural equation models (SEM) to analyze survey data from 952 11th and 12th graders (55% Female, 52% Latinx) in the United States. The study assessed three types of family talk about sex: Communication about Risks of Sex addresses negative consequences of sex, communication about Protection involves ways teens can guard against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and Relational Sex communication addresses sex within the context of a close relationship. We found that teens were as likely to report talk with extended family members as parents about sex. Teens' conversations with parents were more focused on sexual risk and protection while conversations with extended family focused on relational sex topics. Girls were more likely to engage in protection and relational sex communication with extended family, while boys talked more often with parents about these topics. These findings highlight the potential of extended family to support teens' healthy development.
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Charmaraman L, Grossman JM, Richer AM. Same-Sex Attraction Disclosure and Sexual Communication Topics within Families. JOURNAL OF GLBT FAMILY STUDIES 2020; 17:118-134. [PMID: 34737682 PMCID: PMC8562695 DOI: 10.1080/1550428x.2020.1820414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Few studies compare family communication about sex and relationships for sexual minority youth versus hetero-sexual teenagers. Further, existing studies often focus on mothers, overlooking fathers and extended family. Our survey of 952 adolescents aged 14-21 included 115 adolescents disclosing non-heterosexual attraction. Mothers offered more sexual protection methods messages to their non-SM teens, whereas fathers talked less with SM teens about risks of sex and relational sex. Most participants identified mothers, sisters, and female cousins, with male SMs having the highest number of disclosures to family members, whereas female and non-binary SMs confided in fewer family members or no one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Charmaraman
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer M Grossman
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda M Richer
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA
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Grossman JM, Nagar A, Charmaraman L, Richer AM. A Larger Ecology of Family Sexuality Communication: Extended Family Perspectives on Relationships, Sexual Orientation, and Positive Aspects of Sex. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17031057. [PMID: 32046083 PMCID: PMC7036905 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17031057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Extended family can be a resource for conversations about sex, but extended family perspectives have been largely left out of existing research. The present study investigates how extended family, such as aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins, perceive communication with teens in their families about sex. A thematic analysis was conducted with data from interviews in the U.S. with 39 extended family members, primarily siblings, who reported talk with teens in their families about sex. The analyses identified one theme focused on perspectives surrounding what is most important for teens to know about sex and relationships and seven themes focused on the content of conversations with teens about sex. The most prevalent content areas were: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships (87%), Sexual Orientation (82%), Sexual Behavior (82%), and Protection (74%). The findings highlight extended family members’ unique roles in supporting the sexual health of teens in their families, which include providing information and support about issues other family members may not address, such as sexual orientation and the positive aspects of sex. The findings suggest the need to include extended family in sex education interventions to reflect the broader ecology of teens’ family relationships and access an underutilized resource for teens’ sexual health.
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Harper GW, Motley DN, Timmons Tyler A, Tyler DH, Catania JA, Dolcini MM. "You've Gotta be Careful": Familial Messages Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Relationships among African American Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071146. [PMID: 30935043 PMCID: PMC6479837 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the sexual behaviors of African American youth has primarily focused on associated risks, with a dearth of studies examining a fuller representation of African American adolescents' sexual lives. This study explored the range of messages African American adolescents receive from family members regarding sexual behavior and sexual relationships. METHODS Participants were 52 sexually experienced African American youth (male = 32, female = 20) between the ages of 15 and 17 recruited from community-based organizations in the United States. Youth participated in individual in-depth qualitative interviews, and data were analyzed using a phenomenological framework. RESULTS Participants received a variety of messages about sexual behavior and sexual relationships from a range of family members including parents, siblings, grandmothers, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Types of messages clustered into three domains: sexual decision-making, quantity and quality of sexual activity, and sexual health promotion; with themes and sub-themes emerging within each area. CONCLUSION Gender differences in the types of messages received are explored, and applications of the findings to the development of family-involved community interventions that promote sexual and reproductive health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Darnell N Motley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - April Timmons Tyler
- Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation Care Program at Mercy Hospital, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.
| | | | - Joseph A Catania
- Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - M Margaret Dolcini
- Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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Grossman JM, Lynch AD, Richer AM, DeSouza LM, Ceder I. Extended-Family Talk about Sex and Teen Sexual Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E480. [PMID: 30736363 PMCID: PMC6388179 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research shows that family communication about sexuality can protect against teens' risky sexual behavior. However, few studies assess talk with extended family about sex or how this communication relates to teens' sexual behavior. The current study includes cross-sectional survey data from 952 adolescents. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess associations between teens' sexual risk behaviors and communication with extended family about protection methods, risks of sex and relational approaches to sex, defined as talk about sex within a close relationship. For sexually active teens, talk about protection methods was associated with fewer sexual partners and talk about risks of sex was associated with more sexual partners regardless of teen gender and the generation of extended family with whom teens talk. Results suggest that extended-family talk about sex may influence teens' sexual behavior independent of effects of teen⁻parent communication. However, the direction of the effect depends on the content of the conversations. These findings suggest the need to explore whether and how extended family could be included in health prevention and intervention programs, because programs which include family largely focus on parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia D Lynch
- Lynch Research Associates, 1 South Avenue, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
| | - Amanda M Richer
- Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA.
| | | | - Ineke Ceder
- Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA.
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Grossman JM, Richer A, Charmaraman L, Ceder I, Erkut S. Youth Perspectives on Sexuality Communication With Parents and Extended Family. FAMILY RELATIONS 2018; 67:368-380. [PMID: 30237651 PMCID: PMC6141196 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore extended-family sexuality communication and compare it with parent sexuality communication. BACKGROUND Family communication about sex can protect teens from sexual risk behavior. However, most studies on this topic focus exclusively on the parent-teen dyad; few capture the broader context of teens' family communication. METHOD Using a mixed-methods approach, a convenience sample of 22 teens from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds were interviewed. Participants were asked to identify family members with whom they talk about sex and relationships, topics discussed, messages shared, and the teens' comfort talking about sex and relationships. Thematic analysis was used to explore participants' shared meanings and experiences. RESULTS Eighty-six percent of teens reported talking with both parents and extended family about sex. Teens were more likely to report that parents than extended family shared messages about delaying sex and avoiding teen pregnancy and gave advice or shared information about sex. Teens were more likely to view extended family than parents as easy to talk with and as having shared life experiences, and some reported avoiding talk with parents about issues related to sexuality due to feeling awkward or fearing a negative reaction. CONCLUSION Extended family may play a somewhat different role than parents in teens' sexuality communication, but family members showed a largely common set of family values. IMPLICATIONS Extended family may be a valuable teen resource for sexuality communication, particularly when teens feel uncomfortable talking with parents.
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Grossman JM, Jenkins LJ, Richer AM. Parents' Perspectives on Family Sexuality Communication from Middle School to High School. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E107. [PMID: 29320447 PMCID: PMC5800206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Parents' conversations with teens about sex and relationships can play a critical role in improving teenage reproductive health by reducing teens' risky sexual behavior. However, little is known about how teen-parent communication changes from early to middle adolescence and how parents can tailor their communication to address their teens' changing development and experiences during these periods. In this longitudinal qualitative study, U.S. parents (N = 23) participated in interviews when their teens were in early adolescence, then again when the teens were in middle adolescence. Participants were largely mothers and were from diverse racial/ethnic and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis was used to assess continuity and change in parents' perceptions of teen-parent communication. Findings showed that many parents adapted their conversations with their teens about sex and relationships as teens developed. Once teens had entered high school, more parents described feeling comfortable with their conversations. However, parents also more often reported that their teens responded negatively to the communication in high school than they had in middle school. These findings may help parents to anticipate their own as well as their teens' responses to family conversations about sex at different developmental time points and to strategize how to effectively talk with their teens about sex and relationships to improve their teens' overall reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa J Jenkins
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA.
| | - Amanda M Richer
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA.
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10
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Wade R, Harper GW, Bauermeister JA. Psychosocial Functioning and Decisional Balance to Use Condoms in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Sample of Young Gay/Bisexual Men Who Have Sex with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:195-204. [PMID: 28233112 PMCID: PMC5569003 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0912-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Young gay/bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM; ages 18-24) are experiencing an increase in HIV infection rates, particularly if they are Black or Latino. Psychosocial functioning is consistently implicated in HIV risk behaviors; however, less is known about the role of these factors in YGBMSM's decision-making process to use condoms (i.e., decisional balance to use condoms; DBC). We examined whether YGBMSM's psychological functioning was associated differentially with their DBC across racial/ethnic groups. Using data from a cross-sectional web-survey of single YGBMSM (N = 1380; 9.9% Black; 18.6% Latino; 71.5% White), we performed racial/ethnic-specific multivariable regression models to explore the association between DBC and psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety), demographics (e.g., age, education, HIV status, prior STI diagnosis), and perceived difficulty implementing safer sex strategies. Black YGBMSM reported lower DBC if they reported higher depression symptoms (β = -.31, p < .05), were HIV-negative (β = -.20, p < .05), and had greater difficulty implementing safer sex strategies (β = -.32, p < .001). Latino participants reported greater DBC to use condoms if they reported greater anxiety symptoms (β = .21, p < .05). White participants reported greater DBC if they were younger (β = -.09, p < .01), did not report a prior STI (β = .10, p < .001), and had fewer difficulties implementing safer sex strategies (β = -.27, p < .001); DBC had no association to psychological well-being among White participants. Psychological factors may be differentially associated with DBC across racial/ethnic group categories. Health promotion initiatives targeting condom use may benefit from culturally tailored interventions that address psychosocial functioning and its role in YGBMSM's condom use decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Wade
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - José A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Harper GW, Tyler AT, Bruce D, Graham L, Wade RM. Drugs, Sex, and Condoms: Identification and Interpretation of Race-Specific Cultural Messages Influencing Black Gay and Bisexual Young Men Living with HIV. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 58:463-476. [PMID: 27883219 PMCID: PMC5161543 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Black gay and bisexual young men carry a disproportionate burden of HIV in the United States. This study explored Black gay and bisexual young men living with HIV's identification and interpretation of race-specific cultural messages regarding substance use, sexual activity, and condom use. A total of 36 Black gay and bisexual young men living with HIV (ages 16-24, mean = 20.6 years) from four geographically diverse regions of the United States participated in qualitative in-depth interviews. Results from this study elucidate the ways in which these young men interpret various forms of race-specific cultural messages and experiences regarding substance use, sexual activity, and condom use. Participants discussed cultural messages and experiences promoting and discouraging condoms and substance use. Regarding sexual activity, only messages and experiences promoting sex were reported. Across all three categories, messages and experiences promoting risk were predominant. Data further revealed that socially transmitted cultural messages received by young men emanated from multiple sources, such as family, peers, sexual partners, community/neighborhood, and the broader society. Race-specific cultural messages and experiences should be addressed in interventions for this population, and programs should assist young men in developing a critical consciousness regarding these messages and experiences in order to promote health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - April Timmons Tyler
- Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation Care Program at Mercy Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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Grossman JM, Tracy AJ, Richer AM, Erkut S. Comparing Sexuality Communication Among Offspring of Teen Parents and Adult Parents: a Different Role for Extended Family. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2015; 12:137-144. [PMID: 27499816 PMCID: PMC4972327 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-015-0183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This brief report examined teenagers' sexuality communication with their parents and extended families. It compared who teens of early parents (those who had children when they were adolescents) and teens of later parents (those who were adults when they had children) talk to about sex. Eighth grade students (N=1281) in 24 schools completed survey items about their communication about sex. Structural equation modeling was used to predict communication profiles, while adjusting for the nesting of students within schools. After controlling for teens' age, gender, race/ethnicity, grades, parent/guardian closeness, and social desirability of survey responses, as well as family status and median family income, results showed that teens of early (teen) parents were more likely than teens of later (adult) parents to talk with both parents and extended family about sex and less likely than later parents to talk only with parents. These findings indicate that realities of teen sexuality communication for teens of early parents may extend beyond a parent-teen model to include extended family. Extended family involvement in educational outreach is a potential untapped resource to support sexual health for teens of early parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Grossman
- Cheever House/Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - Allison J. Tracy
- Cheever House/Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - Amanda M. Richer
- Cheever House/Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - Sumru Erkut
- Cheever House/Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
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Towner SL, Dolcini MM, Harper GW. Romantic Relationship Dynamics of Urban African American Adolescents: Patterns of Monogamy, Commitment, and Trust. YOUTH & SOCIETY 2015; 47:343-373. [PMID: 26691404 PMCID: PMC4681523 DOI: 10.1177/0044118x12462591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Relationship dynamics develop early in life and are influenced by social environments. STI/HIV prevention programs need to consider romantic relationship dynamics that contribute to sexual health. The aim of this study was to examine monogamous patterns, commitment, and trust in African American adolescent romantic relationships. The authors also focused on the differences in these dynamics between and within gender. The way that such dynamics interplay in romantic relationships has the potential to influence STI/HIV acquisition risk. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 African American adolescents aged 14 to 21 living in San Francisco. Our results discuss data related to monogamous behaviors, expectations, and values; trust and respect in romantic relationships; commitment to romantic relationships; and outcomes of mismatched relationship expectations. Incorporating gender-specific romantic relationships dynamics can enhance the effectiveness of prevention programs.
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Grossman JM, Tracy A, Richer A, Erkut S. The role of extended family in diverse teens' sexual health. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2015; 30:31-56. [PMID: 27110060 PMCID: PMC4841687 DOI: 10.1177/0743558414546718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing extended family involvement in childrearing, particularly in minority families, few studies investigate their role in talking with teens about sex or how this relates to teens' sexual behavior. This mixed methods study assesses extended family sexuality communication through a survey of 1492 diverse middle school students and interviews with 32 students. Logistic regression shows that participants who report having had sex are more likely to report talking with extended family than those who report not having had sex. Interview themes explored reasons for and content of teen sexuality conversations with extended family. More sexually active teens' reporting communication with extended family is interpreted as extended family members gaining importance in sexuality communication as teens become sexually active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Grossman
- Research Scientist, Cheever House/Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
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15
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Helms SW, Sullivan TN, Corona R, Taylor KA. Adolescents' recognition of potential positive and negative outcomes in risky dating situations. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2013; 28:3084-3106. [PMID: 23697864 DOI: 10.1177/0886260513488698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Risky adolescent behavior represents a significant public health concern, with potential detrimental consequences for youth and society in general. Problem behavior theory suggests that engaging in one type of problem behavior increases the likelihood of other problem behaviors. As a result, understanding how youth perceive common dating risk situations that may place them at risk not only for dating violence but also for a variety of other problem behaviors could inform prevention programming. Using qualitative interviews with 43 urban, predominantly African American adolescents, we assessed risk perceptions via youths' identification of potential positive and negative outcomes associated with dating situations that may place teens at risk for negative outcomes including violence and risk behaviors. Six themes each of potential positive and negative outcomes emerged, including positive themes related to interpersonal skills, relationship connections, having fun, and improving image, and negative themes related to victimization, control, jealousy, conflict, consequences, and reputation. This research has important implications for youth prevention programs, especially those focused on helping adolescents develop healthy relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Helms
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA , USA.
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