An investigation of parent/child Communication about sexuality

This study investigated the communication and initial sexuality education between parents and children as it relates to later sexual activity. The study asked 192 undergraduate college students from a Midwestern state university their perceptions about past communication with their parents regarding sexuality. The students completed a 180-item survey instrument, which consisted of questions from the Parent-Child Closeness Scale (PCC) (Buchanan, Maccoby, Dornbusch, 1991), the Sexual Communication Scale (SCS) (Somers Canivez, 2003), and the 1998 National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1998). Researchers investigated whether the frequency and breadth of communication from the parent to the child led to a later onset of sexual behavior. Consistent with previous research, few parents were perceived as proficiently performing the role of sex educator for their child/children. Suggestions for future research are discussed.