title: Condoms and Connection: Parents, Gay and Bisexual Youth, and HIV Risk.
abstract: The family has long been considered a powerful influence on youth's high-risk behaviors. However, little is known about preventive family influences for gay and bisexual youth, a group at high risk for HIV infection. For this study, qualitative interviews from a sample of 38 gay and bisexual youth and their parents/guardians underwent a thematic analysis. Youth described parent-child closeness, parental warnings, and urgings to use condoms as influences. Youth denying family influence came from families in which parent-child relationships were disrupted or HIV-related discussion was lacking. Most families reported discomfort discussing HIV risk. These findings, along with a case example, suggest how family therapists can enhance parental influence by helping these families strengthen their relationships and discuss this important topic. Video Abstract.
authors.affiliation: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: LaSala
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012306:Risk; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult