The Role of Shame, Stigma, and Family Communication Patterns in the Decision to Disclose STIs to Parents in Order to Seek Support
Department
School of Communication and Media
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2023
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is identified as a time of personal growth wherein emerging adults engage in sexual exploration and risky behaviors, potentially resulting in the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Due to the continued reliance on parents for support during this developmental period, emerging adults (EAs) may need to disclose their STI status to their parents. This study applies the health disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM) to extend our understanding of EA disclosures of sensitive health information such as STIs to parents. Data were collected from 204 college students. The results of mediational analyses provided some support for the mediating effects of family communication patterns on the relationship between relational quality and illness assessment (i.e., stigma) and willingness to disclose in a given scenario. The theoretical and practical implications of this are discussed.
Journal Title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal ISSN
16617827
Volume
20
Issue
6
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.3390/ijerph20064742