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Published on: September 19, 2019
Parental communication and youth sexual behaviour
Cheryl B Aspy1, Sara K Vesely, Roy F Oman
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. Cheryl-aspy@ouhsc.edu <Cheryl-aspy@ouhsc.edu>
Journal of Adolescence
|June 6, 2006
Summary
Parental guidance on saying no, setting rules, and discussing sexual health significantly reduces teen sexual activity and increases birth control use. Open communication empowers youth to make safer sexual decisions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Parental communication is a critical factor in adolescent development.
- Understanding the impact of parental guidance on sexual behavior is essential for public health initiatives.
- Previous research indicates a link between family communication and adolescent risk behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between parental communication/instruction and adolescent sexual behavior.
- To determine if specific parental strategies influence sexual initiation, contraceptive use, and partner limitation.
- To provide evidence for parental involvement in adolescent sexual health education.
Main Methods:
- A community-based sample of 1083 adolescents (aged 13-17) completed the Youth Asset Survey.
- Data included demographics, risk behaviors, and parental communication regarding sexual behavior.
- Multivariate analysis controlled for demographic factors to assess the impact of parental guidance.
Main Results:
- Parental instruction on saying no, setting rules, and delaying sex reduced sexual initiation.
- Teaching about birth control and delaying sex increased contraceptive use among sexually active youth.
- Parental discussions about birth control and STD prevention were linked to higher contraceptive use and limiting partners.
Conclusions:
- Parental communication and instruction significantly influence adolescent sexual behavior.
- Parents can effectively promote safer sexual practices through open dialogue and clear guidelines.
- Targeted parental education programs can empower families to guide adolescents toward responsible sexual decision-making.
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