Stepping into Changes in Sources of Sexual Information: Examining Step-Parent-Step-Child Communication about Sex

• In Event: Creating Stability in the Midst of Changes Surrounding Parent-Child Communication about Sex

Abstract

Parents play a vital role in influencing their children’s views of sex and sexuality. However, the dynamics of the American family have changed dramatically in the last 20 years. In particular, researchers have estimated that nearly one-third of American children will spend at least part of their childhood living with a step-parent. The ever-growing prevalence of step-families has forced researchers to question how these changes have influenced the stability of discourse within the family, including regarding sexual information. As many step-parents play just as an important role as a biological parent in influencing a child, it is important to examine what role, if any, step-parents play in providing information and shaping children’s views about sex and sexuality. This study provides a comparison of step-children’s perceptions of sexual communication with their biological and step-parents and raises implications regarding step-parents as a new source and method of obtaining information about sex and sexuality.

Authors

• Elizabeth Ribarsky, University of Illinois, Springfield

• Cassandra LeClair-Underberg, Texas State University, San Marcos