Previous studies have examined whether and how much Hispanic teenagers talk with their parents about sex. Studies have also shown that extended family may be particularly important in Hispanic families, as they are more likely to contribute to childrearing than in non-Hispanic white families. But few studies to date have assessed communication about sexuality between Hispanic teenagers and their extended family members.
In this study, Dr. Estrada-Martinez, Dr. Grossman, and Richer analyzed the survey responses of 474 young Hispanic people recruited from six New England high schools. The researchers compared the extent to which Hispanic teenagers talk with mothers, fathers, and extended family members about the risks of sex, protection, and relational sex (sex within the context of a close relationship). They also examined the role teenagers' gender plays in the association between sexuality communication and risky sexual behaviors.
The researchers found that there were significant gender differences in teenagers' talk about sexuality with mothers and fathers, but not extended family members. In other words, teen girls were more likely to talk with their mothers about sex, while teen boys were more likely to talk with their fathers. The content of the communication, the family member they talked to, and the gender of the teenager all contributed to whether that communication protected them from risky sexual behavior.
There are substantial differences in the types of sexuality communication Hispanic teenagers have with different family members, which are closely tied to the teenager's and the family member's gender. The results of this study suggest that one size does not fit all when it comes to family communication about sex and sexuality.
