Dissertation
Family Communication About Substance Use & Sex: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
07/2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000007861
Abstract
Research has historically looked at parent-child communication as a protective factor against risky behaviors, especially around sensitive topics like sexual health and substance use. This dissertation sought to explore how young adults perceive parent-child communication about sexual health, substance use, and both topics collectively. A family communication patterns theory framework was utilized to further understand parent-child communication about sensitive topics. Only two known studies have looked at these topics collectively and neither study looked at young adults. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, we used semi-structured interviewed with 13 individuals across the United States in states where adult use of cannabis is legal. Findings emphasized the importance of approaching communication openly, being comfortable and receptive, as well as using media, jokes, or shifts in cannabis legislation as a platform for discussion. Additionally, differences in how mothers and fathers communicated about these topics were illustrated among our qualitative results. For instance, mothers emphasized reassurance and inquired more when it came to sexual health, while fathers took more initiative to discuss substances. The interviews informed elements of quantitative measurement before administering an online survey at a university in the inland northwest (n = 186) to explore the associations between relevant elements of parent-child communication and expectancies related to substance use prior to sex as well as using substances prior to sex. Using multiple linear regressions and binary logistic regressions, four models were tested to reveal the associations between the variables of interest. Results suggested small, yet modest effects regarding the associations that were tested. Specifically, higher levels of conformity were associated with expectancies related to alcohol and cannabis use prior to sex. Additionally, higher conversation patterns and higher perceived parent-child communication about sex were both associated with decreased alcohol use prior to sex. These results have implications for future research to examine parent-child communication on sexual health and substance use collectively, which can be valuable to sexual safety among young adults.
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Details
- Title
- Family Communication About Substance Use & Sex
- Creators
- Christina Griselda Nickerson
- Contributors
- Jessica Fitts Willoughby (Chair)Stacey JT Hust (Committee Member)Traci Gillig (Committee Member)Nicole O'Donnell (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 212
- Identifiers
- 99901297654801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation