Infidelity in telenovelas popular among Latina adolescents: Implications for media literacy and sexual health interventions

Objective: Latinas are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Infidelity may place individuals at risk for STIs. Telenovelas, which are among the highest rated television programs among US Latina adolescents, contain more infidelity compared to English-language programs. Because individuals can learn vicariously by observing television characters, it is important to understand how infidelity is presented and contextualized.

Methods: This ethnographic content analysis explored the context of infidelity in 34 episodes of telenovelas popular among Latino adolescents.

Results: Among scenes with any type of sexual content, 61.5% included either talk about infidelity or unfaithful behavior. Only 7.3% of scenes with infidelity explicitly addressed issues related to sexual risk or responsibility, although none address condoms or STIs. After exploring individual narratives, it became evident that, although depicted as practically inevitable, infidelity resulted in primarily negative repercussions. Characters that repent, endure suffering, and engage in self-sacrifice, however, ultimately enjoy happy endings. Traditional gender roles were reinforced, with no scenes depicting a female as the instigator of unfaithful behavior. Religion was portrayed as the route to salvation, with repenting for one's sins depicted as essential.

Conclusions: Telenovela storylines can be used to initiate dialogues with Latina adolescents about monogamy. Media literacy programs whose primary audience is Latina adolescents could incorporate viewing and analyzing these storylines into their curriculum. Discussions should teach adolescent Latinas to critically interpret portrayals of infidelity, gender roles, and sexuality. In combination with comprehensive sexuality education, such media literacy interventions can empower Latina adolescents to become advocates for their own sexual health.