Parent-Child Communication Related to Sexual Health: The Contextual Experiences of Rural Latino Parents and Youth

• Main Authors: Kimberly Stauss, Yvette Murphy-Erby, Javier Boyas, Van Bivens
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Indiana University School of Social Work 2011-09-01
• Series: Advances in Social Work
• Subjects: Sex-related communication; Latino parent-child interactions; Latino teen pregnancy; gender roles
• Online Access: https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/view/1869

Understanding how parent-child communication occurs within the cultural context is an important consideration in sexual health given that culture plays a major role in the development of various beliefs and attitudes. This qualitative study explores the perceived experiences of first-generation, immigrant rural Latino parents and youths (N = 19) about parent-child communication related to sexual health. Specifically, the article explores their perceptions on (a) the process of such communication when and if it occurs; (b) the content of such discussions when they occur; and (c) whether the content of these discussions is based on gender or familial context. Results suggest that cultural norms are followed in regards to gender of both the parent and the youth, but often going against religious and father’s expectations, with the mothers discussing birth control facts in greater frequency. We discuss implications for Latino teen pregnancy prevention efforts.