Parent–Adolescent Sexual Communication and Its Association With Adolescent Sexual Behaviors: A Nationally Representative Analysis in the Netherlands

Abstract

Sexual communication is a principal means of transmitting sexual values, beliefs, expectations, and knowledge from parents to children. Although this area has received considerable research attention, more studies with representative samples are needed to assure that findings are reflective of populations of interest. A nationally representative sample of parent–adolescent dyads (N = 2,965; mean adolescent age = 13.8 years) in the Netherlands was employed to examine the frequency of parent–adolescent sexual communication and its association with adolescent sexual behaviors (defined as sexual initiation, condom use, and contraceptive pill use). Nine communication topics in the areas of anatomy, relationships and rights, and protection and contraception were examined. In all, 75%of parents reported having discussed at least one topic multiple times with their adolescents. Romantic relationships were discussed most frequently. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that parent–adolescent sexual communication on protection and contraception was positively associated with adolescent sexual initiation and contraceptive pill use but not condom use. This may reflect that adolescents, when they become sexually active, are more likely to discuss sexuality with their parents. Findings are interpreted within the context of Dutch culture, which is generally accepting of adolescent sexuality and characterized by open sexual communication.

Notes

Note. N = 2,965. Numbers and percentages are weighted for adolescent gender, age, grade, and level of urbanization and are, therefore, representative of Dutch youth in the first four grades of secondary education.

Note. STDs = sexually transmitted diseases. The n for fathers who participated in the survey and had 16-year-old sons was only 12; therefore, the 16-year-old sons were combined with the 15-year-old sons (n = 45; n = 57 in total). Exact formulation of the items: “During the past year, have you spoken with your child about the following topics related to relationships and sexuality: physical differences between boys and girls; physical changes during puberty; being in love and having a romantic relationship; physical contact you do and do not feel comfortable with; the fact that you should not do sexual things you do not want to do; the fact that you should not do sexual things that your partner does not want to do; homosexuality; pregnancy and contraceptives; the use of condoms to prevent STDs.”.

**p < 01;.

***p < 001.

Note. N = 2,965.

^a Among adolescents who are sexually active, n = 206.

^b The n for the subgroup is too small to produce meaningful estimates. If the n was too small for 12-, 13-, and 14-year-olds, chi square tests are based on 15- and 16-year-olds only.

*p < .05;.

**p < .01;.

***p < .001.

Note. N = 2,965.

^a Among sexually active adolescents.

***p < .001.

Note. Model fit for adolescent sexual initiation: χ² (5) = 295.59 for Step 1 (   p < .001), Δχ² (3) = 46.18 for Step 2 (  p < .001), Δχ² (3) = 41.12 for Step 3 (   p < .001). Model fit for condom use among sexually active adolescents: χ² (5) = 5.34 for Step 1 (   p = .38), Δχ² (3) = 1.77 for Step 2 (   p = .62), Δχ² (3) = 1.79 for Step 3 (   p = .62). Model fit for contraceptive pill use among sexually active adolescents: χ² (5) = 28.95 for Step 1 ( p < .001), Δχ² (3) = 3.21 for Step 2 (    p = .36), Δχ² (3) = 7.04 for Step 3 (    p = .07).

^a N = 2,965;.

^b n = 206.

*p < .05;.

**p < .01;.

***p< .001.

We are indebted to all study participants. We thank Professor Wilma Vollebergh (Utrecht University) and the Adolescent Sexual Health Research Group at the Public Health Institute for review and discussion.