Parent-child sexual communication among parents of school-aged children: A qualitative study

Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: ratihekapertiwi@umm.ac.id

Abstract

Sexuality is often regarded as a taboo subject and considered inappropriate for parents to discuss with their children. Consequently, there is a critical need for effective sexual communication between parents and elementary school-aged children. This study aims to explore in-depth the nature of sexual communication practiced by parents with their elementaryaged children. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, and documentation involving members of the PKK group in Village P and the Aisyiyah group in Village S, District D, Malang Regency, who have children aged 6/7 to 11/12 years. A content analysis approach was employed to examine and interpret the sexual communication delivered by parents. The findings indicate that parents perceive sexual communication as the delivery of information related to sexuality. Factors influencing this communication include adequate knowledge, social norms, cultural values, religious beliefs, and the ability to communicate effectively with children. Parental sexual communication with elementary school-aged children presents unique barriers and challenges. Therefore, it is essential to increase the dissemination of accurate sexuality-related information to parents in order to improve their communication skills. Enhanced parental communication skills can promote confidence in discussing sexuality with their children and contribute to the prevention of child sexual abuse.