Table 1 Measures of Potential Influences on Communication

Parent attitudes toward teen sex (2 items)

For each of the following, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the statement.

Sexual activity is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects for teens.

You disapprove of {child name} being sexually active as a young teenager.

1 (strongly agree) to 4 (strongly disagree)

Perception of likelihood child will become sexually active as a young teen (1 item)

How likely do you think {child name} would be to be sexually active if asked by someone [he/she] was dating as a young teen?

1 (very likely) to 4 (not at all likely)

Expectations of outcomes of talking about sex (6 items)

What are your expectations about talking with {child name}? If you talk early and often with {child name} about sexual topics (such as waiting to be sexually active until he/she is older). . .

. . . {child name} will be less likely to be sexually active as a young teen

. . . {child name} will think you are a hypocrite

1 (strongly agree) to 4 (strongly disagree)

Shared activities with child (6 items)

For the following list of activities, indicate whether this is something you and {child name} do together at least once a week, at least once a month, less often, or never.

Gone shopping

Done homework or school projects when school is in session

1 (at least once a week) to 4 (never)

Closeness to child (5 items)

How often would it be true for you to make each of the following statements about {child name}?

You get along well with [him/her]

{Child name} and you make decisions about [his/her] life together

1 (always) to 4 (never)

Conflict with child (1 item)

During the past 12 months, how often had you argued or had a fight with {child name}?

1 (0 times) to 5 (10 or more times)

Self-efficacy for communication about sex (4 items)

How sure are you that you can always explain to {child name} . . .

. . . why he/she should wait until he/she is older to be sexually active

. . . how to make a [boy/girl] wait until [he/she] is ready to be sexually active

1 (completely sure) to 7 (not sure at all)

Barriers to communication about sex (3 items)

How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

You really don't know enough about sexual activity or waiting to have sex to talk about them with {child name}.

It is easy for you to find the time to talk with {child name} about sexual activity and waiting to have sex.

1 (strongly agree) to 4 (strongly disagree)

Beliefs about timing of talking about sex (1 item)

How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

You are sure this is the right developmental time to talk with {child name} about sexual activity and waiting to have sex.

1 (strongly agree) to 4 (strongly disagree)