OMG! Religiosity’s Influence on the Content of Parent-Child Communication about Sex

• In Event: The stability of sexual attitudes and communication in a world of changing relationships

Abstract

Premarital sex among adolescents has seen a ‘leveling off’ period in the last decade (Christopher & Sprecher, 2000). Religious beliefs offer one possible explanation for this. Specifically, religious teens are more likely to delay first intercourse than their nonreligious counterparts (see Meier, 2003; Rostosky et al., 2004 for examples). In fact, the small numbers of females who remain virgins throughout their adolescence cite religious or moral beliefs as the principal reason for their abstinence (Moore et al., 1988).

Given the powerful influence that parental viewpoints in general have in shaping children’s attitudes and behaviors, it follows that the beliefs of an adolescent’s parents about religion and sex may influence teens’ sexual decision-making. Manlove et al. (2008) reported teens with parents who attend religious services on a regular basis were more likely to have delayed and reduced sexual activity. But while parental beliefs may shape adolescents’ behaviors, little is known about the content or dynamics of sexual communication in connection to familial religiosity. While previous research has revealed the topics most likely discussed and/or avoided within family contexts (e.g., Raffaelli & Green, 2003; Weaver et al., 2002), studies exploring religiosity’s impact on sexuality have yet to address the “actual talk” between parents and children. Complicating matters further, research suggests that mothers typically take the lead in sexually educating children of both sexes (Heisler, 2005; Miller et al., 1993), a role that could be problematic in more patriarchal religious communities.

This paper addresses the role religiosity plays in shaping parent-adolescent discussions of sex. Specifically, the recalled content and format of parent-adolescent communication about sexuality will be explored within families in which religious beliefs are considered ‘fundamental’ to individual decision-making. It is expected that familial religiosity will influence the amount and frequency of these recalled conversations, as well as the format and context of the communication. Warren’s (1995) conceptualization of sexual communication, or the ‘mutual exchange and creation of meaning’ that is typical of communicative encounters, will serve as the foundation for this exploration.

Author

• Jennifer Heisler, Oakland University