ERIC Number: EJ1050645
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1468-1811
EISSN: N/A
Parent and Family Influences on Young Women's Romantic and Sexual Decisions
Wisnieski, Deborah; Sieving, Renee; Garwick, Ann
Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, v15 n2 p144-157 2015
Parents can play an important role in reducing their children's risk for teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and in promoting sexual health during adolescence. The purpose of this study was to explore communication between parents, family members and young people and how it influences their romantic and sexual behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 African American, American Indian, Euro-American and Latina women aged 19-29 years. Findings clustered into five themes. First, mothers were often the primary source of reproductive education. Second, fathers provided valuable guidance, although they were not the first source of information. Third, parental expectations influenced young people's sexual behaviours both positively and negatively. Fourth, aunts, uncles and grandparents were trusted sources of advice for personal discussions. Fifth, over one-third of participants perceived that there was no adult available to them during their teenage years for discussions about romance. Sex educators can encourage and guide parents to discuss romantic and sexual issues with young people as a way to support their young people's healthy sexual and romantic behaviours. Health and sex educators should also identify young people lacking support and encourage stronger relationships with family including fathers and extended family members.
Descriptors: Parent Influence, Family Influence, Females, Intimacy, Sexuality, Parent Role, Risk Management, Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Health Promotion, Prevention, Semi Structured Interviews, African Americans, American Indians, Whites, Hispanic Americans, Late Adolescents, Young Adults, Mothers, Information Sources, Fathers, Grandparents, Sex Education, Expectation, Family Relationship, Qualitative Research, Content Analysis
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration (DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma
Grant or Contract Numbers: D09HP10420