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Cultural Influences on the Sexual Attitudes, Beliefs, and Norms of Young Latina Adolescents
Author(s) -
Villarruel Antonia M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.1998.tb00030.x
Subject(s) - virginity test , ethnography , psychology , developmental psychology , focus group , social psychology , african american , gender studies , sociology , ethnology , anthropology
purpose . To describe the influence of cultural values familialism, gender‐role expectations, and religion on sexual attitudes, beliefs, and norms of young Latina adolescents. design . Ethnography, focus group interviews. Setting. Community‐based agencies in two urban cities. participants . Puerto Rican and Mexican‐American adolescents (10–15 years) and their mothers. main outcome measures . Ethnographic interview guide. results . The importance of family and the role of the extended network, dimensions of familialism, were evident in such patterns as respect for self and family, protection of self, child, and family. The protectiveness of families toward girls, gender differences in rules, value of virginity, and the importance of having a family, were findings consistent with Latino gender roles. However, there were also some important deviations from these roles. For example, virginity, although important, was not associated with religious doctrine or practice. The necessity of preventing pregnancy was also considered important. conclusions . Latino cultural values need to be incorporated in primary and secondary prevention efforts to decrease the risks associated with early and unprotected sexual activity.