"Say something instead of nothing": Adolescents' perceptions of memorable conversations about sex-related topics with their parents. Issue 3 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holman, Amanda; Koenig Kellas, Jody
• Is Part Of: Communication monographs. Volume 85:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Parent–adolescent communication -- sex-talk -- adolescent perspectives -- memorable messages -- communicated narrative sense-making -- sexual health and risk-taking; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.2
• DOI: 10.1080/03637751.2018.1426870
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-7751

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined adolescents' ( n = 389) perceptions of parent–adolescent communication about sex, including what their parents say about sex, what types of conversations adolescents report as memorable, the degree to which messages are perceived as effective, and how parental messages predict adolescents' sexual attitudes and behaviors. Six conversation types emerged: underdeveloped, safety, comprehensive talk, warning/threat, wait, and no talk. When adolescents were asked to report how those could have been improved, five types emerged from the analysis of their responses: no change, be more specific/provide guidance, talk to me, appropriateness, and collaborate. C omprehensive talk and safety were perceived as significantly more effective than all other types of conversations. S afety conversations predicted the lowest levels of permissive sexual attitudes and risk-taking.