Quality of Parent–Adolescent Conversations About Sex and Adolescent Sexual Behavior: An Observational Study

Abstract

PurposeStudies suggest that the quality of parent–adolescent communication about sex uniquely predicts adolescent sexual behavior. Previous studies have relied predominantly on self-report data. Observational methods, which are not susceptible to self-report biases, may be useful in examining the associations between the quality of parent–adolescent communication about sex and adolescent sexual behavior more objectively. MethodsWith a sample of adolescents (N = 55, 58% male, 44% white, Mage = 15.8) and their parents, we used hierarchical logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between the observed quality of parent–adolescent communication about dating and sex and the likelihood of adolescents' sexual intercourse. ResultsThe quality of parent–adolescent communication about dating and sex predicted sexual behavior. Specifically, lecturing was associated with a higher likelihood of adolescents having had sexual intercourse. ConclusionsThe quality of parent–adolescent communication about sex is a unique correlate of adolescent sexual behavior and warrants further investigation. Thus, it serves as a potential target of preventive interventions that aim to foster adolescent sexual health behaviors.