Forbidden talk : parent-teen communication about sexuality

Abstract

This study sets out to explore three aspects of parent-teen communication about sexuality. The first aspect is content of communication and consists of discussed topics and transmitted messages. The second aspect is the process and other characteristics of communication like approach, style, and terminology used. Finally the third aspect includes factors which influence communication, such as gender. Both male and female parents and their adolescents (13 to 15 years old) were interviewed using qualitative instruments mainly semi-structured interviews. Adolescents also participated in a focus group or group interviews. Findings suggested that parent-teen communication is characterised by embarrassment, where participants admitted not mentioning certain words and not going into much detail. Dire consequences of sexual activity were reported to be mentioned by parents, while adolescents, mostly girls, reported talking with their mothers about pubertal development. Participants also suggested not mentioning masturbation and birth control when talking about sexuality. The style of communication was reported to be either dominant or mutual. Gender differences in communication about sexuality were also noted. Participants reported holding perceptions which hindered them from discussing sexuality and talking about sexuality when they heard the topic elsewhere. Several interesting insights emerged from the data analysis. Recommendations focus on the need to study much further sexuality among adolescents and to educate both parents and adolescents to experience meaningful communication about sexuality.