Date Approved
2013
Date Posted
5-23-2013
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Heather Janisse
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephen Jefferson
Abstract
The relationship between a parent and child is one of the longest and most influential relationships in an individual's life. Among many child outcomes, prior research suggests that parents have the ability to influence their children's sexual decisions. Parent-child communication about sex and the climate of the parent -child relationship may be important predictors of later sexual behavior and attitudes. Therefore, the purpose of the present study wa~ to examine the relationship between parental care and control, parent communication about sex and current sexual behavior and attitudes in a sample of emerging adults ages 18-28. Results show that an adult who grew up with more caring and less controlling parents and who talked about sex with their parent were most likely to have better quality relationships and to a limited extent, engage in safer sexual behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Richards, Nicole M., "Parental care, control, and communication about sex: The relation to risky sexual behaviors and relationship style in emerging adults" (2013). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 345.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/345