Sexuality education:implications for policy, parents, and family life educators

Doctor of PhilosophySchool of Family Studies and Human ServicesMelinda MarkhamThe following three studies examine school-based sexuality education and parent-child sexual communication. Using findings from qualitative data, the studies address what information is missing and/or needed in sexuality education delivered by parents and the school system, and to determine the best methods to deliver the information. Study 1 identifies the need for a change in sexuality education discourse, especially for women. Study 2 identifies the important need for parents to keep in mind the environment, the methods, and the timing of their parent-child sexual communication. Finally, study 3 assesses novel and discussion question use in mother-daughter sexual communication. Implications are provided for Family Life Educators, Sexuality Educators, and Policymakers