Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Article Title

Parental Discussions about Sexual Risk with African American Sons: The Role of Religiosity.

Authors

Wadiya A. Udell, University of Washington BothellFollow
Geri R. Donenberg, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at ChicagoFollow

Keywords

adolescents; parenting; sexual risk; religiosity

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology | Health Psychology | Multicultural Psychology | Public Health

Abstract

The current study investigated the relationship between parental religiosity (i.e., parent church attendance), and frequency of parent-youth communication about sexual risk (i.e., discussion about sex, and discussion about condom use) with African American boys. Participants were 65 parents of African American boys between the ages of 11 and 17 years. Results indicated no relationship between age and parent-son discussion about sexual risk. However, parental religiosity was negatively associated with frequency of communication with sons about sex and condom use. Parents who attended church more frequently reported fewer discussions about sex and condom use than parents who attended church less frequently. These findings suggest that religiosity may be a barrier to parental discussions about sex and sexual risk with African American sons. Findings underscore the importance of collaborating with church communities in supporting parents in educating African American boys about sexual health.

Recommended Citation

Udell, Wadiya A. and Donenberg, Geri R. (2014) "Parental Discussions about Sexual Risk with African American Sons: The Role of Religiosity.," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 7: Iss. 6, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol7/iss6/7