©2008Jupiterimages Corporation
©2008Jupiterimages Corporation A Boston University School of Medicine study shows that there are certain attributes that increase the likelihood that a teen will choose abstinence. Teens “with positive attitudes about delaying sexual activity are more likely to practice abstinence,” according to a report on the study from the National Abstinence Education Association. Among influences that the study notes contribute to those positive attitudes: parental opinions on sex, personal beliefs, and their friends’ sexual behavior. Many other studies have shows that a healthy, upbeat curriculum that teaches strategies and benefits of abstinence can help to influence teens to view abstinence as a positive choice for their lives. To read the entire report, click here.
February 4, 2008 at 6:38 am
“Only those participants who indicated that they had not had sexual intercourse were asked to respond to the following item: “Many teenagers have decided not to have sexual intercourse yet. Please read the following list of reasons why teenagers have not had sexual intercourse, and mark how important each is for you.”"
“The mean age of participants in 1999 was 14.3 years (SD, 1.5 years), with ages ranging from 12 to 17 years. The sample was 94.4% white.”
SO this study is useful for predicting whether already abstinent 14 year old white kids will still believe strongly in abstinence a year later. It has nothing to say about minorities or any other age group other than 14 year olds.
Attitudes are wonderful. Attitudes however, do not always correspond with actions. Over 19,000 15-19 year old teen girls became pregnant in 2006. More had sex. We must accept that teaching abstinence is only half of the job. We must also educate our youth on their bodies, disease prevention and contraception. Without that second half, we are failing our children.