Overview of sexual communication between parents and adolescent

Faculty of Psychology, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: choirunnisanovitasari@webmail.umm.ac.id

Abstract

Recently, the issue of sexual violence cases in Indonesia is relatively increasing. This study aims to explore parents' comprehension of sexual communication and identify supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using FGDs and observations. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, with the criteria of parents who have adolescent children aged 11-18 years old in Malang. A total of 17 mothers with homogeneous characteristics were involved to minimize socio-economic bias. Data analysis was conducted using thematic coding, with source, method, and researcher triangulation applied to enhance research credibility. Findings indicate that sexual communication within families remains centered on religious values with a one-way approach, while biological and psychological aspects are insufficiently integrated. Key barriers include parental discomfort, limited communication skills, and the absence of fathers in sexual discussions. Conversely, religious communities and schools serve as alternative information sources, although their effectiveness remains suboptimal. This study recommends strengthening parental capacity through training that integrates religious and scientific perspectives and encouraging active paternal involvement in sexual communication.