Cuídate Sin Pena: Mexican Mother-Adolescent Sexuality Communication

Abstract

This study explores perceptions of Mexican mother-adolescent communication about sexuality. Participants interviewed included four mother-expecting son pairs and four mother-pregnant daughter pairs. Our interviews revealed important adolescent gender differences. Pena (shame/embarrassment) played a major role vis-à-vis indirect communication about sexuality between mothers and sons. Mothers believed they were communicating about sexuality when using the term cuídate (take care of yourself), but sons and daughters understood cuídate as being a more general message and therefore did not perceive it as a message of safe sexual practice. The adolescents suggested implementation strategies for social workers to promote sexuality communication between mothers and adolescents.