ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN's RETROSPECTIVE REPORTS OF THEIR SEXUAL SOCIALIZATION

Abstract

This study used qualitative research methods to investigate the sexual socialization experiences of young Asian American women, a group often overlooked in psychological research on sexuality. Focus group interviews were conducted with 30 ethnically diverse young Asian American women to explore their perceptions and interpretations of the direct and indirect sexual communication they received from parents during adolescence. Interviews were analyzed using open and focused coding techniques based on principles of grounded theory. Although most participants initially reported that sexuality was a closed or taboo topic of discussion in their family, they described several indirect, implicit, and nonverbal strategies their parents used to clearly convey their sexual attitudes and expectations, most of which were restrictive in nature. Women interpreted parents' silence and restrictiveness about sexuality as tied to their upbringing and cultural heritage and as a feature characterizing Asian parents more broadly.

Factors related to sexual behaviors and sexual education programs for Asian-American adolescents

“…Discussions of sexuality, sex, and sexual expression were discouraged and avoided in public and even regarded in Asian-American homes as a taboo subject (Hahm et al, 2006;Kao, 2006). This contributes to Asian-American adolescents having less parent-initiated sex education, and making adolescents reluctant and uncomfortable in discussing sexuality and sexual information with their parents (Kao, 2006;Kim, 2009). In evaluating the relationship between traditional family support and condom use, a recent study revealed that there was no relationship between these two variables among Asian-American adolescents while the family support was strongly related to condom use in African American adolescents and white adolescents (Gillmore, Chen, Hass, Kopak, & Robillard, 2011).…”

“…Adolescents have also reported that they would prefer to receive sexual education from their parents rather than other sources (Somers & Surmann, 2004). However, some studies reported an opposite finding: most adolescents, including Asian-American adolescents, perceived their parents to be reluctant to speak about sex and sexuality (Kao, 2006;Kao et al, 2011;Kim, 2009). The reluctance may be strongly related to the Asian culture that emphasizes family values, obedience to parents, and sexual innocence until marriage (Kao, 2006;Kao et al, 2011;Kim, 2009;Okazaki, 2002).…”

“…Sexuality discussions were taboo and uncomfortable topics that were avoided in their homes. Many AsianAmerican parents perceived premarital sexual activity as bad, shameful, and morally reprehensible, therefore, Asian-American adolescents were less willing to discuss the topic with their parents (Kim, 2009). Lee et al (2013) also reported similar findings that many Asian-American parents felt discomfort in educating their Asian-American adolescents on sexual health topics.…”

“…Thus, many Asian-American adolescents were afraid of being punished if they talked about their sexual activities to their parents. Kim (2009) examined Asian-American women's perceptions and interpretations of their parents' direct and indirect communication about sexuality during adolescence; the majority of the participants stated that their parents did not provide any direct communication about sexuality as they were growing up. Sexuality discussions were taboo and uncomfortable topics that were avoided in their homes.…”

Chinese Parents’ Perspectives on Adolescent Sexuality Education

“…During adolescence, parents play an important role in helping their children to recognize what is appropriate behavior and to cultivate a set of moral values (Strouse & Fabes, 1985). Parents may influence their children"s sexual development through direct communication (Fox & Inazu, 1980;Holtzman & Rubinson, 1995), nonverbal behavior (Kim, 2009), and emotional qualities of the relationship (Jaccard, Dittus, & Gordon, 1996). When parents become involved in sexuality education for children, this involvement has the potential to postpone or forestall children"s sexual activity, and promote safer sexual practices (e.g., Dilorio, Bluhar, & Belcher, 2003; Fox & Inazu, 1980;Hutchinson, 2002).…”