A Larger Ecology of Family Sexuality Communication: Extended Family Perspectives on Relationships, Sexual Orientation, and Positive Aspects of Sex

Jennifer M. Grossman, Anmol Nagar, Linda Charmaraman and Amanda M. Richer
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Jennifer M. Grossman: Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
Anmol Nagar: Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
Linda Charmaraman: Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
Amanda M. Richer: Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Extended family can be a resource for conversations about sex, but extended family perspectives have been largely left out of existing research. The present study investigates how extended family, such as aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins, perceive communication with teens in their families about sex. A thematic analysis was conducted with data from interviews in the U.S. with 39 extended family members, primarily siblings, who reported talk with teens in their families about sex. The analyses identified one theme focused on perspectives surrounding what is most important for teens to know about sex and relationships and seven themes focused on the content of conversations with teens about sex. The most prevalent content areas were: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships (87%), Sexual Orientation (82%), Sexual Behavior (82%), and Protection (74%). The findings highlight extended family members’ unique roles in supporting the sexual health of teens in their families, which include providing information and support about issues other family members may not address, such as sexual orientation and the positive aspects of sex. The findings suggest the need to include extended family in sex education interventions to reflect the broader ecology of teens’ family relationships and access an underutilized resource for teens’ sexual health.

Keywords: teenage reproductive health; extended family; family sexuality communication; adolescent health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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