This study examined the relationship between family functioning, as conceptualized by the FACES III instrument, and adolescents’ comfort and frequency communicating about sex, communicating and asserting personal boundaries, and sexual decision making. Quantitative data was collected from 154 Grade 9 students in the North Eastern Nova Scotia region. Gender, family structure, and sexual activity variables were explored. Findings showed that adolescents from balanced families scored higher on sexual decision making, were more comfortable communicating about sex, and communicated more frequently about sex to friends and parents. Females from more adaptive families scored higher on sexual decision making and sexually active adolescents were more comfortable talking about sex and their personal sexual boundaries but spent significantly less time thinking about the consequences of their choices, gathering information, and discussing it with others. Findings help understand adolescent sexual behaviour which is vital for promotion of positive sexual health across the life span. / Family Ecology and Practice

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