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“You’ve Gotta be Careful”: Familial Messages Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Relationships among African American Adolescents

Author

Listed:
  • Gary W. Harper

    (School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Darnell N. Motley

    (Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA)

  • April Timmons Tyler

    (Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation Care Program at Mercy Hospital, Chicago, IL 60616, USA)

  • Donald H. Tyler

    (A New Way of Being, LLC, Chicago, IL 60637, USA)

  • Joseph A. Catania

    (Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

  • M. Margaret Dolcini

    (Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

Abstract

Background: Research on the sexual behaviors of African American youth has primarily focused on associated risks, with a dearth of studies examining a fuller representation of African American adolescents’ sexual lives. This study explored the range of messages African American adolescents receive from family members regarding sexual behavior and sexual relationships. Methods: Participants were 52 sexually experienced African American youth (male = 32, female = 20) between the ages of 15 and 17 recruited from community-based organizations in the United States. Youth participated in individual in-depth qualitative interviews, and data were analyzed using a phenomenological framework. Results: Participants received a variety of messages about sexual behavior and sexual relationships from a range of family members including parents, siblings, grandmothers, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Types of messages clustered into three domains: sexual decision-making, quantity and quality of sexual activity, and sexual health promotion; with themes and sub-themes emerging within each area. Conclusion: Gender differences in the types of messages received are explored, and applications of the findings to the development of family-involved community interventions that promote sexual and reproductive health are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary W. Harper & Darnell N. Motley & April Timmons Tyler & Donald H. Tyler & Joseph A. Catania & M. Margaret Dolcini, 2019. "“You’ve Gotta be Careful”: Familial Messages Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Relationships among African American Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:7:p:1146-:d:218547
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    Cited by:

    1. Ijeoma Opara & Jasmine A. Abrams & Kristina Cross & Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, 2021. "Reframing Sexual Health for Black Girls and Women in HIV/STI Prevention Work: Highlighting the Role of Identity and Interpersonal Relationships," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-14, November.

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