Girls' Perspectives on Family Scripts About Sex-Related Topics and Relationships

Abstract This study explores girls' perspectives of family scripts to develop family-based interventions to reduce HIV/AIDS and STIs. In-depth qualitative interviews with 33 teen girls revealed four common scripts: (a) waiting-to begin dating or to initiate sexual intercourse, (b) danger and protection, (c) abuse, and (d) taking charge. Most low-income families acknowledged pregnancy and HIV/STI risks but some girls experienced conflict with social norms and abusive partners. Most high-income families avoided addressing sexual risks explicitly but encouraged good decisions and expanded life opportunities. These findings suggest that families may tailor scripts to the perceived risk and that interventions should address gender norms among peers, relationship-associated risks, and strategies for developing healthy interpersonal teen relationships.