Counseling African American Women: Let's Talk About Sex!

Abstract

In the absence of clear, specific literature, this article provides information about the sexuality of African American women and identifies culturally relevant practices counselors may use to gain understanding of and respond to sex-related issues (i.e., development, identity, and activity) of African American women. Implications for counselors and recommendations for broaching sexual matters are discussed.

Does daddy know best? Exploring the relationship between paternal sexual communication and safe sex practices among African-American women

“…As suggested in previous studies, many of the messages communicated by paternal caregivers in the present study focused on imparting their values and attitudes regarding sexual relationships and women's sexual practices as opposed to sexual education and information (DiIorio et al 1999;Hutchinson and Cederbaum 2011). Some of the messages received by participants in the present study indicated that remaining chaste until marriage was the only appropriate option for women (Thomas, Crook, and Cobia 2009;Wyatt 1997). Additionally, across some of the messages, paternal caregivers appeared to express attitudes regarding men's sexual practices as well.…”

“…Previous studies have noted that, as children and young people, African-American women may receive messages that consistently imply that their sexuality should be suppressed and they should remain chaste (Thomas, Crook, and Cobia 2009;Jackson and Greene 2000;Wyatt 1997). However, much of this research has focused on the receipt of these messages from mothers, grandmothers and other African-American women in their communities.…”

“…However, the prevalence rates and future estimates of HIV among African-American women suggest that it is necessary to examine the sexual socialisation and practices of African-American women of varying socio-economic backgrounds and across the developmental lifespan as earlier messages regarding sexuality may continue to shape a woman's beliefs and attitudes into adulthood (Thomas, Crook, and Cobia 2009;Wyatt 1997). Additionally, African-American women are not homogenous, and thus it is necessary to account for the heterogeneity that exists among African-American women (Hutchinson and Montgomery 2007).…”

“…Lawrence et al 1998;Wyatt 1997). However, researchers and health professionals (mental and physical) have noted that in order to understand the sexual decision-making and practices of African-American women, it may be important to examine their sexual socialisation -the process through which they learn and internalise sexual knowledge, norms and expectations, as opposed to focusing solely on behaviour (Thomas, Crook, and Cobia 2009;DiIorio, Pluhar, and …”

“…In the USA, rates of HIV infection and AIDS among women continue to rise faster than those of heterosexual men, with African-American women constituting a disproportionately larger percentage of HIV/AIDS cases than Caucasian women and Latinas (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2013; Thomas, Crook, and Cobia 2009). According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64% of the new cases of HIV among women in 2010 occurred in African-American/Black women, while 18% occurred in Caucasian women and 15% were Latinas (CDC 2013).…”