Adolescents’ Romantic Relationship Development and Parent-Adolescent Communication for Undesired Consequences Prevention

Abstract

The development of a romantic relationship during adolescence is a universal process.  In this critical period of development, concern over adolescents engaging in risky sexual behaviors is considered as both a public health and global issue. Adolescents’ romantic relationship behavior and how it relates to risky sexual activity can have a profound impact on their lives both immediately and in the future. This article reviews and synthesizes previous literatures published between 1971 and 2009, which relate to the challenges faced by American and Asian teenagers; focusing attention on understanding intimate relationship development among adolescents, as well as the potential problems and risks involved. In addition, the literature was reviewed as it relates to parent-adolescent communication as possible solutions or preventions of negative health outcomes for adolescents such as the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS).