Patterns of Parent-Teen Sexual Risk Communication: Implications for Intervention

This study describes current patterns of parent-teen sexual communication and investigates the influence of such communication on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of older adolescent females in the US. Data were collected from a statewide random sample of 173 young women aged 19-20 years through structured telephone interviews. Young women in this study reported low to moderate levels of parent-teen sexual risk communication with particularly low rates of father-teen sexual communication. African Americans reported higher rates than Caucasians. Sexual risk communication with mothers was associated with higher condom use self-efficacy and sexual communication with partners. For young women parent-teen sexual risk communication could potentially make a significant difference in reducing sexual risk-taking behavior via its effects on these behaviors. Implications of findings for future research and family interventions are discussed.