Breaking the ice! Predictors about communication between nonresident African American fathers and sons about sex
Background and purpose:Research on communication between resident and nonresident African American fathers and their sons about sex has been understudied. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of parenting variables, specifically, racial socialization and father involvement on nonresident African American father son communication about sex. Methods:Data for this study are from the Fathers and Sons Project. This intervention study is designed to enhance relationships between nonresident African American fathers and their 8 12 year old sons and to prevent risky health behaviors among sons. The present study is based on 345 African American boys who completed baseline face to face interviews. The average age of the sons was 10.2 years old (SD 1.4) with an average of two siblings (SD 1.53) Results:Age and sons' perceptions of more parental monitoring by their fathers were predictive of increased communication about sex. Racial socialization messages explained additional variance in communication about sex above other parenting variables and controls. Implications for practice:Findings suggest when working with African American families, providers who counsel parents, and in particular provide outreach to fathers regarding communication about sex, are in a unique position to enhance parenting communication skills about sexuality.
Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners