Title | "You've Gotta be Careful": Familial Messages Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Relationships among African American Adolescents. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Harper, GW, Motley, DN, Tyler, ATimmons, Tyler, DH, Catania, JA, Dolcini, MM |
Journal | Int J Environ Res Public Health |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 7 |
Date Published | 03/2019 |
ISSN | 1660-4601 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Research on the sexual behaviors of African American youth has primarily focused on associated risks, with a dearth of studies examining a fuller representation of African American adolescents' sexual lives. This study explored the range of messages African American adolescents receive from family members regarding sexual behavior and sexual relationships. METHODS: Participants were 52 sexually experienced African American youth (male = 32, female = 20) between the ages of 15 and 17 recruited from community-based organizations in the United States. Youth participated in individual in-depth qualitative interviews, and data were analyzed using a phenomenological framework. RESULTS: Participants received a variety of messages about sexual behavior and sexual relationships from a range of family members including parents, siblings, grandmothers, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Types of messages clustered into three domains: sexual decision-making, quantity and quality of sexual activity, and sexual health promotion; with themes and sub-themes emerging within each area. CONCLUSION: Gender differences in the types of messages received are explored, and applications of the findings to the development of family-involved community interventions that promote sexual and reproductive health are discussed. |
DOI | 10.3390/ijerph16071146 |
Alternate Journal | Int J Environ Res Public Health |
PubMed ID | 30935043 |
Grant List | R01 HD061027-01 / / National Institutes of Health / |