A Qualitative Study of Southern Baptist Mothers' and Their Daughters' Attitudes Toward Sexuality

Abstract

This qualitative study of 14 Southern Baptist mother-daughter dyads uses grounded theory to explore the attitudes these mothers and daughters hold toward sexuality, religiosity, and spirituality, in addition to how they communicate with each other about these topics. Themes that emerge from the data include abstinence before marriage, lack of interest in sexual behavior, peer influence, parental monitoring, extracurricular activities, the parent-child relationship, shame versus self-respect, and an orientation to the future. This research provides a description of the way in which Southern Baptist mothers and daughters communicate about spirituality and sexuality and reveals the effect this communication has on these adolescent girls. Implications for further research as well as the clinical implications of this study provide guidance for professionals in this area.