Problematic Integrations of Baptist Mothers’ Nested Identities During Sex Talks with Children

Abstract

This study examines the identity performance of Baptist mothers during sex talks with children using a problematic integration and nested identities integrated framework. The findings of this study suggest that mothers experienced a tension between their Biblical ontologies of sex and secular treatments of sex, which informed the strategies they used to communicate with their children. Sex talks with children, then, emerged as problematic integrations of ambiguity and dissonance. The findings of this study advance the notion that religious identities bleed into other kinds of identity performances, inform and resolve problematic integrations, and intensify stress associated with ambiguity.

Keywords:

• Parent-Child Sex Talks
• Problematic Integration Theory
• Religious Identity

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability Statement

Per institutional IRB, data is not available for sharing.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katie Kassler

Katie Kassler is a PhD candidate in the Communication Studies department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on the connections between interpersonal communication, social identity, and well-being.

Amorette Hinderaker

Amorette Hinderaker (Ph.D. North Dakota State University) is an Associate Professor and the Convener of Debates in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas Christian University. Her research focuses on organizational identities, assimilation, and religious memberships.