Taboo themes in adolescence

Authors

  • Ulrich Kropiunigg
  • Sylvester N. Madu
  • Alfred Barth

Abstract

Little is known about taboos between teenagers and their parents. This study investigated taboo themes during adolescence. 854 participants were given a list of 37 themes upon which they decided whether a theme was a taboo to them in their families. Compared to mid- and late adolescence, a significantly higher frequency of taboo themes was stated in early adolescence. Thoughts of suicide and sexual fears were the predominant taboo themes among all ages. Results suggest that themes concealed as taboos should be considered as important elements of the parent-adolescent communication. Implications for a purposeful communication with teenagers are discussed.

Keywords Adolescence; Taboo; Family; Parents; Sexuality; Suicide; Violence

Author Biographies

Ulrich Kropiunigg

Dr. Ulrich Kropiunigg, a. o. Universitätsprofessor am Institut für Medizinische Psychologie des Zentrums Public Health der Medizinischen Universität Wien.

Korrespondenz: Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Medizinische Universiät Wien, Severingasse 9, 1090 Wien, Österreich

Sylvester N. Madu

Dr. sci. Sylvester N. Madu, Professor und Vorstand der School of Social Sciences der University of Limpopo in Sovenga, Südafrika

Alfred Barth

Dr. phil. Alfred Barth, Assistenzprofessor am Institut für Managementwissenschaften der Technischen Universität Wien

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Published

2006-10-01

How to Cite

Kropiunigg, U., Madu, S. N., & Barth, A. (2006). Taboo themes in adolescence. Psychotherapie-Wissenschaft, (4), 165–171. Retrieved from https://psychotherapie-wissenschaft.info/article/view/305

Issue

No. 4 (2006): Psychotherapie Forum 14/4 (veröffentlicht bei Springer Wien New York)

Section

Original Work

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