Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence 2/2008

01-02-2008 | Original Paper

“Always Use Protection”: Communication Boys Receive About Sex From Parents, Peers, and the Media

Auteurs: Marina Epstein, L. Monique Ward

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence | Uitgave 2/2008

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

Although parents are often thought to be the primary communicators of sexual information, studies have found that many adolescent boys report receiving little or no parental communication about sex. Instead, boys report learning about sex mostly from their peers and the media. However, little is known about the content of these communications, from any source. Using a sample of 286 male undergraduates, this study employed a mixed-method approach to examine the amount and content of sex-related communication boys received from their parents, peers, and the media. Results indicated that adolescent boys report receiving less sexual communication from their parents than from peers and the media. In terms of content, parental messages focused on abstinence and contraception while peer and media messages were significantly more sex-positive. Analyses of ethnic group variation showed that African American adolescents reported receiving the most parental communication and Asian American boys reported the least, with further variability in the content of the messages. Findings also document considerable diversity of message content, both within and across source, highlighting the utility of comparative and multi-method approaches.
Voetnoten
1
The first round of participants tested were only asked to report about parents and peers.
 
Literatuur
go back to reference Andre T, Dietsch C, Cheng Y (1991) Sources of sex education as a function of sex, coital activity, and type of information. Contemp Educ Psychol 16:215–240PubMedCrossRef Andre T, Dietsch C, Cheng Y (1991) Sources of sex education as a function of sex, coital activity, and type of information. Contemp Educ Psychol 16:215–240PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Arnett JJ (2002) The sounds of sex: Sex in teens’ music and music videos. In: Brown J, Walsh-Childers K, Steele J (eds) Sexual teens, sexual media. Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, pp 253–264 Arnett JJ (2002) The sounds of sex: Sex in teens’ music and music videos. In: Brown J, Walsh-Childers K, Steele J (eds) Sexual teens, sexual media. Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, pp 253–264
go back to reference Ballard SM, Morris ML (1998) Sources of sexuality information for university students. J Sex Educ Ther 23(4):278–287 Ballard SM, Morris ML (1998) Sources of sexuality information for university students. J Sex Educ Ther 23(4):278–287
go back to reference Beggan J, Allison S (2003) “What sort of man reads Playboy?”: The self-reported influence of Playboy on the construction of masculinity. J Men's Study 11:189–206CrossRef Beggan J, Allison S (2003) “What sort of man reads Playboy?”: The self-reported influence of Playboy on the construction of masculinity. J Men's Study 11:189–206CrossRef
go back to reference Boyton PM (1999) “Is that supposed to be sexy?” Women discuss women in “top-shelf” magazines. J Commun Appl Soc Psychol 9(6):449–461CrossRef Boyton PM (1999) “Is that supposed to be sexy?” Women discuss women in “top-shelf” magazines. J Commun Appl Soc Psychol 9(6):449–461CrossRef
go back to reference Bradner C, Ku L, Lindberg L (2000) Older, but not wiser: How men get information about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases after high school. Fam Plann Perspect 32:33–38PubMedCrossRef Bradner C, Ku L, Lindberg L (2000) Older, but not wiser: How men get information about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases after high school. Fam Plann Perspect 32:33–38PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Clawson CL, Reese-Weber M (2003) The amount and timing of parent-adolescent sexual communication as predictors of late adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors. J Sex Res 40(3):256–265PubMed Clawson CL, Reese-Weber M (2003) The amount and timing of parent-adolescent sexual communication as predictors of late adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors. J Sex Res 40(3):256–265PubMed
go back to reference Currie DH (1997) Decoding femininity: Advertisements and their teenage readers. Gender Soc 11(4):453–477CrossRef Currie DH (1997) Decoding femininity: Advertisements and their teenage readers. Gender Soc 11(4):453–477CrossRef
go back to reference Darling CA, Hicks MW (1982) Parental influence on adolescent sexuality: Implications for parents as educators. J Youth Adolesc 11(3):231–245PubMedCrossRef Darling CA, Hicks MW (1982) Parental influence on adolescent sexuality: Implications for parents as educators. J Youth Adolesc 11(3):231–245PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Darling CA, Hicks MW (1983) Recycling parental sexual messages. J Sex Marital Ther 9(3):233–243PubMed Darling CA, Hicks MW (1983) Recycling parental sexual messages. J Sex Marital Ther 9(3):233–243PubMed
go back to reference David D, Brannon R (1976) The forty-nine percent majority: The male sex role. Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA David D, Brannon R (1976) The forty-nine percent majority: The male sex role. Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA
go back to reference Davis SM, Harris MB (1982) Sexual knowledge, sexual interests, and sources of sexual information of rural and urban adolescents from three cultures. Adolescence 17:471–492 Davis SM, Harris MB (1982) Sexual knowledge, sexual interests, and sources of sexual information of rural and urban adolescents from three cultures. Adolescence 17:471–492
go back to reference DeLamater J (1989) The social control of human sexuality. In: McKinney K, Sprecher S (eds) Human sexuality: The societal and interpersonal context. Ablex, Norwood, NJ, pp 30–62 DeLamater J (1989) The social control of human sexuality. In: McKinney K, Sprecher S (eds) Human sexuality: The societal and interpersonal context. Ablex, Norwood, NJ, pp 30–62
go back to reference DiIorio C, Kelley M, Hockenberry-Eaton M (1999) Communication about sexual issues: Mothers, fathers, and friends. J Adolesc Health 24(3):181–189PubMedCrossRef DiIorio C, Kelley M, Hockenberry-Eaton M (1999) Communication about sexual issues: Mothers, fathers, and friends. J Adolesc Health 24(3):181–189PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference DiIorio C, Pluhar E, Belcher L (2003) Parent-child communication about sexuality: A review of the literature from 1980–2002. J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Adolesc Child 5:7–32CrossRef DiIorio C, Pluhar E, Belcher L (2003) Parent-child communication about sexuality: A review of the literature from 1980–2002. J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Adolesc Child 5:7–32CrossRef
go back to reference Downie J, Coates R (1999) The impact of gender on parent-child sexuality communication: Has anything changed? Sex Marital Ther 14(2):109–121 Downie J, Coates R (1999) The impact of gender on parent-child sexuality communication: Has anything changed? Sex Marital Ther 14(2):109–121
go back to reference Eyre SL, Hoffman V, Millstein SG (1998) The gamesmanship of sex: A model based on African American adolescent accounts. Med Anthropol Q 12:467–489PubMedCrossRef Eyre SL, Hoffman V, Millstein SG (1998) The gamesmanship of sex: A model based on African American adolescent accounts. Med Anthropol Q 12:467–489PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Fisher TD (1993) A comparison of various measures of family sexual communication: Psychometric properties, validity, and behavioral correlates. J Sex Res 30(3):229–238 Fisher TD (1993) A comparison of various measures of family sexual communication: Psychometric properties, validity, and behavioral correlates. J Sex Res 30(3):229–238
go back to reference Ford K, Norris A (1991) Urban African-American and Hispanic adolescents and young adults: Who do they talk to about AIDS and condoms? What are they learning? AIDS Educ Prev 3(3):197–206PubMed Ford K, Norris A (1991) Urban African-American and Hispanic adolescents and young adults: Who do they talk to about AIDS and condoms? What are they learning? AIDS Educ Prev 3(3):197–206PubMed
go back to reference Harper GW, Gannon C, Watson S, Catania J, Dolcini MM (2004) The role of close friends in African American adolescents’ dating and sexual behavior. J Sex Res 41:351–362PubMedCrossRef Harper GW, Gannon C, Watson S, Catania J, Dolcini MM (2004) The role of close friends in African American adolescents’ dating and sexual behavior. J Sex Res 41:351–362PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Holtzman D, Rubinson R (1995) Parent and peer communication effects on AIDS-related behavior among U.S. high school students. Fam Plann Perspect 27:235–240, 268PubMedCrossRef Holtzman D, Rubinson R (1995) Parent and peer communication effects on AIDS-related behavior among U.S. high school students. Fam Plann Perspect 27:235–240, 268PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Hovell M, Sipan C, Blumberg E, Atkins C, Hofstetter CR, Kreitner S (1994) Family influences on Latino and Anglo adolescents’ sexual, behavior. J Marriage Fam 56(4):973–986CrossRef Hovell M, Sipan C, Blumberg E, Atkins C, Hofstetter CR, Kreitner S (1994) Family influences on Latino and Anglo adolescents’ sexual, behavior. J Marriage Fam 56(4):973–986CrossRef
go back to reference Kaiser Family Foundation (2005) U. S. Teen Sexual Activity. Fact Sheet 1(1). Kaiser Family Foundation (2005) U. S. Teen Sexual Activity. Fact Sheet 1(1).
go back to reference Kehily M (2001) Bodies in school: Young men, embodiment, and heterosexual masculinities. Men Masculinities 4(2):173–185CrossRef Kehily M (2001) Bodies in school: Young men, embodiment, and heterosexual masculinities. Men Masculinities 4(2):173–185CrossRef
go back to reference Kim JL, Ward LM (2007) Silence speaks volumes: Parental sexual communication among Asian American emerging adults. J Adolesc Res 22:3–31CrossRef Kim JL, Ward LM (2007) Silence speaks volumes: Parental sexual communication among Asian American emerging adults. J Adolesc Res 22:3–31CrossRef
go back to reference King BM, Lorusso J (1997) Discussions in the home about sex: Different recollections by parents and children. J Sex Marital Ther 23(1):52–60PubMed King BM, Lorusso J (1997) Discussions in the home about sex: Different recollections by parents and children. J Sex Marital Ther 23(1):52–60PubMed
go back to reference Krassas NR, Blauwkamp JM, Wesselink P (2003) “Master your Johnson”: Sexual rhetoric in Maxim and Stuff magazines. Sex Cult 7(3):98–119CrossRef Krassas NR, Blauwkamp JM, Wesselink P (2003) “Master your Johnson”: Sexual rhetoric in Maxim and Stuff magazines. Sex Cult 7(3):98–119CrossRef
go back to reference Lefkowitz ES, Boone T, Shearer C (2004) Communication with best friends about sex-related topics during emerging adulthood. J Youth Adolesc 33(4):339–351CrossRef Lefkowitz ES, Boone T, Shearer C (2004) Communication with best friends about sex-related topics during emerging adulthood. J Youth Adolesc 33(4):339–351CrossRef
go back to reference Lefkowitz ES, Romo LF, Corona R, Au TK, Sigman M (2000) How Latino American and European American adolescents discuss conflicts, sexuality, and AIDS with their mothers. Dev Psychol 36:315–325PubMedCrossRef Lefkowitz ES, Romo LF, Corona R, Au TK, Sigman M (2000) How Latino American and European American adolescents discuss conflicts, sexuality, and AIDS with their mothers. Dev Psychol 36:315–325PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Lehr ST, DiIorio C, Dudley WN, Lipana JA (2000) The relationship between parent-adolescent communication and safer sex behaviors in college students. J Fam Nurs 6(2):180–196CrossRef Lehr ST, DiIorio C, Dudley WN, Lipana JA (2000) The relationship between parent-adolescent communication and safer sex behaviors in college students. J Fam Nurs 6(2):180–196CrossRef
go back to reference Lehr ST, Demi AS, DiIorio C, Facteau J (2005) Predictors of father-son communication about sexuality. J Sex Res 42:119–129PubMed Lehr ST, Demi AS, DiIorio C, Facteau J (2005) Predictors of father-son communication about sexuality. J Sex Res 42:119–129PubMed
go back to reference Leland NL, Barth RP (1993) Characteristics of adolescents who have attempted to avoid HIV and who have communicated with parents about sex. J Adolesc Res 8(1):58–76CrossRef Leland NL, Barth RP (1993) Characteristics of adolescents who have attempted to avoid HIV and who have communicated with parents about sex. J Adolesc Res 8(1):58–76CrossRef
go back to reference Liebowitz SW, Castellano DC, Cuellar I (1999) Factors that predict sexual behaviors among young Mexican American adolescents: An exploratory study. Hispanic J Behav Sci 21(4):470–479CrossRef Liebowitz SW, Castellano DC, Cuellar I (1999) Factors that predict sexual behaviors among young Mexican American adolescents: An exploratory study. Hispanic J Behav Sci 21(4):470–479CrossRef
go back to reference MacCorquodale P (1989) Gender and sexual behavior. In: McKinney K, Sprecher S (eds) Human sexuality: The societal and interpersonal context. Ablex Publishing, Norwood, NJ, pp 91–112 MacCorquodale P (1989) Gender and sexual behavior. In: McKinney K, Sprecher S (eds) Human sexuality: The societal and interpersonal context. Ablex Publishing, Norwood, NJ, pp 91–112
go back to reference Marsiglio W (1988) Adolescent male sexuality and heterosexual masculinity: A conceptual model and review. J Adolesc Res 3:285–303PubMedCrossRef Marsiglio W (1988) Adolescent male sexuality and heterosexual masculinity: A conceptual model and review. J Adolesc Res 3:285–303PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference McNeely C, Shew ML, Beuhring T, Sieving R, Miller BC, Blum RW (2002) Mothers’ influence on the timing of first sex among 14- and 15-year-olds. J Adolesc Health 31(3):256–265PubMedCrossRef McNeely C, Shew ML, Beuhring T, Sieving R, Miller BC, Blum RW (2002) Mothers’ influence on the timing of first sex among 14- and 15-year-olds. J Adolesc Health 31(3):256–265PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Miller K, Kotchick B, Dorsey S, Forehand R, Ham A (1998) Family communication about sex: What are parents saying and are their adolescents listening? Fam Plann Perspect 30:218–235PubMedCrossRef Miller K, Kotchick B, Dorsey S, Forehand R, Ham A (1998) Family communication about sex: What are parents saying and are their adolescents listening? Fam Plann Perspect 30:218–235PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Nolin MJ, Petersen KK (1992) Gender differences in parent-child communication about sexuality: An exploratory study. J Adolesc Res 7(1):59–79CrossRef Nolin MJ, Petersen KK (1992) Gender differences in parent-child communication about sexuality: An exploratory study. J Adolesc Res 7(1):59–79CrossRef
go back to reference O’Sullivan LF, Jaramillo BMS, Moreau D, Meyer-Bahlburg HFL (1999) Mother-daughter communication about sexuality in a clinical sample of Hispanic adolescent girls. Hispanic J Behav Sci 21(4):447–469CrossRef O’Sullivan LF, Jaramillo BMS, Moreau D, Meyer-Bahlburg HFL (1999) Mother-daughter communication about sexuality in a clinical sample of Hispanic adolescent girls. Hispanic J Behav Sci 21(4):447–469CrossRef
go back to reference O’Neil J, Helms B, Gable R, David L, Wrightsman L (1986) Gender role conflict scale: College men's fear of femininity. Sex Roles 14:335–350CrossRef O’Neil J, Helms B, Gable R, David L, Wrightsman L (1986) Gender role conflict scale: College men's fear of femininity. Sex Roles 14:335–350CrossRef
go back to reference Pistella CLY, Bonati FA (1998) Communication about sexual behavior among adolescent women, their family and peers. Fam Soc 79(2):206–211PubMed Pistella CLY, Bonati FA (1998) Communication about sexual behavior among adolescent women, their family and peers. Fam Soc 79(2):206–211PubMed
go back to reference Pleck JH, Sonenstein FL, Ku LC (1993) Masculinity ideology and its correlates. In: Oskamp S, Costanzo M (eds) Gender issues in contemporary society. Sage Publications, Inc, pp 85–110 Pleck JH, Sonenstein FL, Ku LC (1993) Masculinity ideology and its correlates. In: Oskamp S, Costanzo M (eds) Gender issues in contemporary society. Sage Publications, Inc, pp 85–110
go back to reference Raffaelli M, Bogenschneider K, Flood MF (1998) Parent-teen communication about sexual topics. J Fam Issues 19(3):315–333PubMedCrossRef Raffaelli M, Bogenschneider K, Flood MF (1998) Parent-teen communication about sexual topics. J Fam Issues 19(3):315–333PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Reed D, Weinberg MS (1984) Premarital coitus: Developing and established sexual scripts. Soc Psychol Q 47:129–138PubMedCrossRef Reed D, Weinberg MS (1984) Premarital coitus: Developing and established sexual scripts. Soc Psychol Q 47:129–138PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Rosenthal D, Senserrick T, Feldman S (2001) A typology approach to describing parents as communicators about sexuality. Arch Sex Behav 30(5):463–482PubMedCrossRef Rosenthal D, Senserrick T, Feldman S (2001) A typology approach to describing parents as communicators about sexuality. Arch Sex Behav 30(5):463–482PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Rosenthal DA, Feldman SS (1999) The importance of importance: Adolescents’ perceptions of parental communication about sexuality. J Adolesc 22(6):835–851PubMedCrossRef Rosenthal DA, Feldman SS (1999) The importance of importance: Adolescents’ perceptions of parental communication about sexuality. J Adolesc 22(6):835–851PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Stibbe A (2004) Health and the social construction of masculinity in Men's Health magazine. Men Masculinities 7:31–51CrossRef Stibbe A (2004) Health and the social construction of masculinity in Men's Health magazine. Men Masculinities 7:31–51CrossRef
go back to reference Taylor L (2005) All for him: Articles about sex in American Lad magazines. Sex Roles 52:153–163CrossRef Taylor L (2005) All for him: Articles about sex in American Lad magazines. Sex Roles 52:153–163CrossRef
go back to reference Walker B (1997) ‘You learn it from your mates, don't you?’ Youth Policy 57:44–54 Walker B (1997) ‘You learn it from your mates, don't you?’ Youth Policy 57:44–54
go back to reference Ward LM (1995) Talking about sex: Common themes about sexuality in the prime-time television programs children and adolescents view most. J Youth Adolesc 24:595–615CrossRef Ward LM (1995) Talking about sex: Common themes about sexuality in the prime-time television programs children and adolescents view most. J Youth Adolesc 24:595–615CrossRef
go back to reference Ward LM (2002) Does television exposure affect emerging adults’ attitudes and assumptions about sexual relationships? Correlational and experimental confirmation. J Youth Adolesc 31:1– 15CrossRef Ward LM (2002) Does television exposure affect emerging adults’ attitudes and assumptions about sexual relationships? Correlational and experimental confirmation. J Youth Adolesc 31:1– 15CrossRef
go back to reference Ward LM (2003) Understanding the role of entertainment media in the sexual socialization of American youth: A review of empirical research. Dev Rev 23:347–388CrossRef Ward LM (2003) Understanding the role of entertainment media in the sexual socialization of American youth: A review of empirical research. Dev Rev 23:347–388CrossRef
go back to reference Ward LM, Friedman K (2006) Using TV as a guide: Associations between television viewing and adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behavior. J Res Adolesc 16:133–156CrossRef Ward LM, Friedman K (2006) Using TV as a guide: Associations between television viewing and adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behavior. J Res Adolesc 16:133–156CrossRef
go back to reference Ward LM, Hansbrough E, Walker E (2005) Contributions of music video exposure to Black adolescents’ gender and sexual schemas. J Adolesc Res 20:143–166CrossRef Ward LM, Hansbrough E, Walker E (2005) Contributions of music video exposure to Black adolescents’ gender and sexual schemas. J Adolesc Res 20:143–166CrossRef
go back to reference Whitaker DJ, Miller KS (2000) Parent-adolescent discussion about sex and condoms: Impact on peer influences of sexual risk behavior. J Adolesc Res 15:251–273CrossRef Whitaker DJ, Miller KS (2000) Parent-adolescent discussion about sex and condoms: Impact on peer influences of sexual risk behavior. J Adolesc Res 15:251–273CrossRef
go back to reference Zurbriggen EL, Morgan EM (2006) Who wants to marry a millionaire? Reality dating television programs, attitudes toward sex, and sexual behaviors. Sex Roles 54:1–17CrossRef Zurbriggen EL, Morgan EM (2006) Who wants to marry a millionaire? Reality dating television programs, attitudes toward sex, and sexual behaviors. Sex Roles 54:1–17CrossRef
Metagegevens
Titel
“Always Use Protection”: Communication Boys Receive About Sex From Parents, Peers, and the Media
Auteurs
Marina Epstein
L. Monique Ward
Publicatiedatum
01-02-2008
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Youth and Adolescence / Uitgave 2/2008
Print ISSN: 0047-2891
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6601
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9187-1

Andere artikelen Uitgave 2/2008

Journal of Youth and Adolescence 2/2008 Naar de uitgave