Variations in Adolescent Disclosure Among Latinas

This study examines attitudes toward adolescent disclosure among a diverse sample of Latina adolescents. Using ecological and acculturation frameworks, this qualitative, exploratory study analyzes responses from 18 Latina adolescents to open-ended, semi-structured questions from the National Study of Youth and Religion on family relationships, morality, and religion, to explore disclosure attitudes. Results suggest high disclosure to mothers, particularly by Latinas from low-income and religiously congruent families. Fathers' long work hours and singular religiosity thwart disclosure to them, and family structure, migration, and nativity influence whether adolescent Latinas disclose information to parents. Latino cultural values of respeto and marianismo did not emerge as salient themes. A common theme among participants was a desire for closer, open relationships with parents to enable disclosure of important occurrences in their lives.