Being open with your mouth shut: the meaning of 'openness' in family communication about sexuality

An Australian study of parent-adolescent communication about sexuality revealed complex meanings inherent in the understanding of 'openness'. These included willingness to answer questions while not keeping a spotlight on the topic; having an open-minded attitude; balancing openness with privacy; and being responsive to characteristics of the child. Various constraints applied to the application of open communication in this sensitive area. Given the range of meanings encompassed by 'openness', the authors recommend that social scientists limit their application of this term in the study of communication in families, and that sex educators take care to be more specific in recommending openness in communication about sexuality.