Mother–Daughter Communication About Sex and Sexual Intercourse Among Middle- to Upper-Class African American Girls

Abstract

This study investigated linkages between various dimensions of mother— daughter communication about sex and sexual intercourse in a sample of 274 middle- to upper-income African American adolescent girls, drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Logistic regression analysis revealed that girls who reported closer relationships with their mothers were less likely to have had sexual intercourse. They were more likely to report a history of sexual intercourse when their mothers communicated frequently about sexual topics and when daughters perceived their mothers as being more approving of premarital sex. Daughters were less likely to be sexually active when their mothers reported more discussions related to the negative consequences of premarital sex and to delaying sexual intercourse for moral reasons. The implications of these findings for upwardly mobile African American families are discussed.

HIV-Positive Mothers’ Communication About Safer Sex and STD Prevention With Their Children

“…Similar to a study by Usher-Seriki, Bynum, & Callands (2008), the content of messages conveyed by the mothers in this study involved negative consequences of unprotected sex, sexually transmitted diseases and birth control. Usher-Seriki et al (2008) found that more frequent communication about these general sexual topics predicted an increased likelihood that adolescents were sexually active, and conversations specific to sexual values (e.g., negative impact of teen pregnancy), were linked to a decreased likelihood of sexual activity.…”

“…Usher-Seriki et al (2008) found that more frequent communication about these general sexual topics predicted an increased likelihood that adolescents were sexually active, and conversations specific to sexual values (e.g., negative impact of teen pregnancy), were linked to a decreased likelihood of sexual activity. Both types of messages were conveyed in the present study, although sexual values emerged as a topic of empowering and respecting oneself, and making informed, proactive and positive choices.…”

The Role of Extended Family in Teen Sexual Health

“…However, it is also possible that unmeasured aspects of extended family sexuality communication, such as its content or process, are more permissive than communication with parents. For example, while parental messages discouraging sexual activity have been associated with teens’ delaying sex (Trejos-Castillo & Vazsonyi, 2009; Usher-Seriki, Bynum, & Callands, 2008), messages from extended family members may be different, and less tied to healthy teen behaviors. However, findings for associations between extended family support and reduced risky sexual behavior (Ahrens et al, 2008; Hurd & Zimmerman, 2010) suggest that extended family members may serve as a health-promoting influence.…”

Comparing Sexuality Communication Among Offspring of Teen Parents and Adult Parents: a Different Role for Extended Family

“…Prior findings that parent-teen sexuality communication can protect teens from risky sexual behavior (Murry et al 2014; Usher-Seriki et al 2008) suggest that talking with other family members about sex may have a protective influence. This may be particularly true for teens of early parents, where a broader family ecology, rather than solely parental relationships, may provide a base of family support.…”