How Parents and Siblings Influence U.S. Latinx Adolescents’ Perspectives on Dating and Sex
Killoren, S. E., Len-Ríos, M., Salinas, E., Streit, C. E., & Carlo, G. (2022). Latinx adolescents’ perspectives on romantic relationships and sexuality: Exploring the roles of parents and siblings. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 41(3), 596-616. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221118947 (Original work published 2024)
U.S. Latinx (gender inclusive term for individuals of Latino/Hispanic origin) adolescents’ perspectives on romantic relationships and sexuality are influenced by their unique cultural values and experiences. Seeing how Latinx adolescents continue to have higher rates of unprotected sex, teen births, and STD’s relative to European American adolescents, it’s important to understand the factors that may influence their perspectives and attitudes towards romance and sex. Parents and siblings play crucial roles in the transference of cultural values. This study found that parents treated their sons’ and daughters’ sexual lives differently based on traditional gender role attitudes, while older siblings acted as role models and protectors.
To investigate Latinx adolescents’ perspectives, this study recruited a total of 44 Latinx adolescents in the U.S. Midwest, aged 14 -18 years, to participate in focus groups (three female focus groups and two male focus groups). One of the female focus groups was held in a college-sized town, while the other four focus groups were held in a large midwestern city. The three questions asked in the focus groups that were used for the study were: “Do you think that Latino parents have different dating expectations for their sons or daughters?”, “How important do you think parents are in influencing what teens think about sex and romantic relationships?”, and “In Latino culture, what role do you think older siblings have in terms of younger siblings’ romantic relationships?” Patterns and meanings within the answers provided were organized into themes and later analyzed.
As originally expected, the results showed that Latinx parents were more protective and restrictive with their daughters’ dating lives based on the cultural value of respect. Daughters were expected to follow certain rules and curfews that did not apply to the sons. The daughters’ partners had to meet certain standards as well, such as having a neat appearance and good manners. Male Latinx adolescents, on the other hand, were more likely to have their parents buy them condoms with the expectations that they will engage in sex. Additionally, parents communicating with their children about sex, particularly safe sex practices and teenage pregnancy prevention, was reported to be very influential for teens’ behaviors and beliefs regarding sexual activity. Regardless, many parents remain reluctant to discuss these topics. Meanwhile, older siblings' influence was said to depend on the quality of the sibling relationship. Further, it was reported that younger female siblings have more privileges than their older female siblings had at their age.
This study expands on our current knowledge of U.S. Latinx adolescents’ own perspectives on family attitudes and expectations on dating and sex, particularly regarding siblings’ roles and influence. Latinx cultural values of respeto (respect) and bien educado (well mannered), taught by parents, were found to possibly help protect Latinx adolescents from harmful sexual and dating practices. Mothers and siblings were found to be important sources of information about sex. This study’s findings suggest that there is a need to provide support for Latinx parents to communicate with their teenagers about sex.
Written by Valeria Valentín, NSF REU Intern with the Scientific Study of Interpersonal Relationships Across the Lifespan Site