Predictors of father‐son communication about sexuality

Abstract

Examining the factors that influence adolescents' sexual behaviors is crucial for understanding why they often engage in risky sexual behaviors. Using social cognitive theory, we examined predictors of father-son communication about sexuality. Fathers (N=155) of adolescent sons completed a survey measuring 12 variables, including self-efficacy and outcome expectations. We found that (a) son's pubertal development, father's sex-based values, father's education; father's communication with his father, outcome expectations, and general communication accounted for 36% of the variance in information sharing communication and (b) son's pubertal development, outcome expectations, general communication, and father-son contact accounted for 20% of the variance in values sharing communication. Study findings can aid professionals in designing guidelines for programs to promote father-son general communication and sex-based communication.

Research Brief: Sexual Communication and Knowledge Among Mexican Parents and Their Adolescent Children

“…Consistent with other studies (Lehr, et al, 2005, Tapia-Aguirre, et al 2004, parents in this study that had more education showed higher levels of sexual knowledge but not higher communication about sexual topics or comfort. Similarly, while fathers had higher levels of sexual knowledge, mothers perceived higher levels of sexual communication with their adolescents.…”

“…Various studies have found parents play a fundamental role in the prevention of risky sexual behavior in their adolescent children (Blake, Smikin, Ledsky, Perkins, & Calabrese, 2001;Lehr, Demi, Dilorio & Facteau, 2005). However, the successful development of this role depends on how much sexual knowledge parents have and the way in which they communicate with their children about these issues (Blake et al, 2001;Lehr et al, 2005).…”

“…However, the successful development of this role depends on how much sexual knowledge parents have and the way in which they communicate with their children about these issues (Blake et al, 2001;Lehr et al, 2005). In Mexico, as in other countries, most research regarding sexual knowledge and communication has focused on adolescents rather than parents.…”

Factors Associated with Parent–Child Communication About HIV/AIDS in the United States and Kenya: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

“…In addition, several common barriers to communication link directly to parental responsiveness, including embarrassment [17,23] or discomfort [21] in discussing sexual issues and apprehension about their children's response to such discussion [22,24]; lack of confidence in their own ability to communicate with their children about sexuality [25]; and lack of knowledge or skills to conduct such discussions [23]. Reciprocally, aspects of parental responsiveness are frequently found to be facilitators of communication, including confidence in one's ability to talk with children about sexual issues [25,26], and greater skill and comfort in communicating [27].…”

Exploring the Role of Computers in Sex and Relationship Education within British Families

“…sexuality) with their children (Gabb, 2004;Jordan, Price & Fitzgerald, 2000;Kakavoulis, 2001), especially fathers (Goldman and Bradley, 2004;Kirkman, Rosenthal & Feldman, 2003;Lefkowitz, Roma, Corona, Au & Sigman, 2000a;Lehr, Demi, Dilorio, & Facteau, 2005;Miller, Dilorio & Dudley, 2002). It has been suggested that parents feel unable to discuss these topics, such as sexuality, as they fear that they are not equipped with both the necessary skills and the knowledge to educate their children (WernerWilson & Fitzharris, 2001).…”