Multiple Perspectives of Parent-Adolescent Sexuality Communication: Phenomenological Description of a<i>Rashoman</i>Effect∗

Abstract

Empirical evidence regularly demonstrates that parents influence adolescent sexuality, but we know much less about the processes associated with these influences (Werner-Wilson & Fitzharris, 2001 Werner-Wilson, R. J. and Fitzharris, J. L. 2001. How Can Mothers and Fathers Become Involved in the Sexuality Education of Adolescents?. Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education for Adolescents and Children, 4: 49–59. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). Communication seems to be one process that is associated with parent influence. The present article investigates the different perceptions of mothers, fathers, adolescent girls, and adolescent boys about sexuality communication. Research suggests that parents and adolescents differ in their perception of the amount of communication that occurs between parents and adolescents about sexuality. Theoretically, the difference in perception about sexuality communication can be understood as representing a Rashoman effect, a social-psychological construct, which suggests that interpretation of events is an inherently subjective experience. We analyzed focus-group data for the presence of a Rashoman effect and discuss implications for sexuality education and future research.