The Influence of Social Institutions on African American Women's Sexual Values and Attitudes

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Few researchers have examined the sexual values and attitudes of African American women. Through the use of focus group interviews, this study examined how African American women's sexual values and attitudes were shaped by their experiences with certain social institutions. The researcher (MRA) found that the sexual values and attitudes of African American women were negatively influenced by their experiences with sexuality education, religious institutions, and health care providers. The largely negative experiences reported by participants lead to the intemalization of negative feelings and affected participants' emotional and sexual development.