A qualitative study of how mothers and teenage daughters negotiate sex-related risk and independence

Concern across more economically developed nations has focused on the role of parental communication and monitoring in predicting risk-taking behaviour and health outcomes. However, explorations of how mothers and daughters negotiate risk remain under-researched. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study examining mothers' and teenage daughters' perceptions of risk-related health concerns around sexual behaviour and the implications for health policy, nursing practice and future research. A purposive sample of seven young women aged 14-16 years and their mothers (n = 14) were recruited from low-income families living in the south-west of England. Data were collected through longitudinal in-depth interviews and were analysed for thematic content using constant comparative methods. Findings highlighted how mothers and daughters understand risks associated with sex and relationships and their implications for safety. Mothers' concerns focused on their daughters' vulnerability to the risk of sexual threat, particularly after alcohol consumption. Within relationships mothers did not advocate abstinence but developed harm minimisation approaches to minimise the impact of risk taking and maximise opportunities for independence. Strategies based on trust and openness were preferred to expectations of rigid adherence in rule negotiation. Clinical significance lies in building on maternal expertise to develop community-based initiatives that have the potential to improve health and clinical outcomes for young women.