April 4-6, 2024 • Hyatt Regency • Lexington, KY
Innovations in Health Communication
Innovations in Health Communication
Abstract: Uncertainty Management Strategies in Stigmatized Family Communication on Women’s Sexual Health: Implications for Health Behaviors
Grounded in uncertainty and stigma management theorizing, the current study examines how emerging adult women (18-30) manage stigma and uncertainty around sexual health conversations with a female family member (e.g., mother, aunt), and how these conversations are related to identity, health behaviors and attitudes. An online survey was distributed to solicit written narratives about these conversations, followed by a self-report survey of their health behaviors and outcomes. The results indicated that conversations with female family members included stigmatized narratives of "women should not have sex," "only whores get the vaccine," and "that’s what happens when you get around”. These stigmatized narratives promote all uncertainty types. Uncertainty around sexually transmitted infections, condom use, Pap smears, and the human papilloma virus vaccine were described. The primary strategies for managing this uncertainty include eliciting social support, using the internet to gather information, and talking to their health care provider. The participants elicited social support from other female friends or family members and their sexual partner. They used the internet to gather more information about infection risks and pregnancy. The uncertainty management strategy of talking to health care providers both increased and decreased uncertainty, demonstrating the deep cultural and social nuances of women and sexual health. The means for getting a Pap smear and feeling HPV vaccine efficacy do significantly vary based on the three stigmatized narrative arcs. Identity markers were not salient in the qualitative results nor the quantitative analyses. The role of relational closeness and religiosity are discussed. Findings from this study can be used to help de-stigmatize women's sexual health and promote positive, healthy sex conversations in families.