Abstract
Having “the talk” with children can be difficult and uncomfortable. However, recent behavioral research indicates that having this conversation, and having it often, is important for raising sexually healthy adolescents. This paper provides an overview of the literature surrounding the role of parent-adolescent communication in the development of sexually healthy young adults, including benefits for LGBTQIA+ youth. The findings suggest that non-judgmental parental communication can encourage condom use, delay initiation of intercourse, and reduce mental health issues arising from a perceived lack of support for sexual choices.
Recommended Citation
Adams, H. (2018). The birds and the bees: The impact of parent-child communication on adolescent sexual health. James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal, 5(1), 6-10. Retrieved from http://commons.lib.jmu. edu/jmurj/vol5/iss1/1.
