Adolescent development is marked by many physical and psychological changes. One of them is the emergence of sexual urges and desires that are both biologically and socially driven. Parents play an important role in shaping their children's views about sex and sexuality. This influence comes from various sources such as family values, personal experiences, cultural norms, religious beliefs, media exposure, and education.
Some studies suggest that parents have different attitudes towards teenage dating, while others believe it depends on gender roles and social class. While some studies focus on how parental guidance influences adolescents' sexual behavior, this study explores the relationship between parental beliefs, attitudes, and guidance and their impact on adolescents' risk perception, sexual confidence, and relational behavior. The findings will help guide parents in developing appropriate strategies to support their teens' healthy development.
Parental attitudes towards sex can range from positive to negative or ambivalent. Positive attitudes may include promoting abstinence until marriage, emphasizing safety and responsibility during sexual activity, and encouraging open communication about sexual issues. Negative attitudes may involve condemning premarital sex, equating virginity with purity and moral integrity, and discouraging any discussion of sexual matters. Ambivalence often involves conflicting messages due to a parent's own past sexual history, religious beliefs, or societal pressures. These attitudes shape adolescents' perception of sex and relationships, which affects their behavior.
If a parent believes sex outside marriage is immoral, the child may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors like unprotected intercourse. Parental guidance also plays an essential role in shaping children's views about sex and relationships. Guidance refers to providing information, advice, and support to adolescents regarding safe sex practices, contraceptives, STD prevention, consent, etc., which helps them make informed decisions about their sexual lives. Studies suggest that parents who provide clear guidelines for decision-making are more effective in influencing their kids than those who lecture or prohibit them.
The research question investigated whether parental beliefs, attitudes, and guidance influence adolescent risk perception, sexual confidence, and relational behavior. To answer this question, a quantitative study was conducted involving 100 teenagers (50 boys and 50 girls) aged 13–18 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). The EG received information on sexual health from their parents, while the CG did not. All participants completed pre-test and post-test surveys on risk perception, sexual confidence, and relationship satisfaction. Results revealed that parental education significantly increased risk perception among both genders but had no effect on sexual confidence. In addition, male participants reported greater relational satisfaction after receiving parental guidance compared to females. These findings show that parental involvement in adolescent sexuality can help shape positive outcomes such as decreased risky behaviors and improved relationships.
Parental beliefs, attitudes, and guidance play a crucial role in shaping adolescents' views about sex and relationships. Parental education about sexual health is essential in promoting healthy development during this critical stage of life. Parents should provide clear guidelines for decision-making, encourage open communication, promote safety measures, and advocate responsible choices. By doing so, they can foster a safe environment where adolescents can explore their sexuality without fear or shame.
How do parental beliefs, attitudes, and guidance influence adolescents' risk perception, sexual confidence, and relational behavior?
Parental beliefs, attitudes, and guidance play an important role in influencing adolescents' risk perception, sexual confidence, and relational behavior. Parents are significant socializing agents who provide their children with moral values, social norms, and cultural ideals that shape their understanding of sexuality. While some parents may instill conservative views about sex and relationships, others may encourage open communication and exploration.