Comprehensive Sexuality Education or Abstinence-Only Education: Which Is More Effective?

Overview & Synopsis

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in effectiveness between comprehensive sexuality abstinence-based education and abstinence-only education. A survey was developed and distributed to over 140 individuals via a variety of sources such as: (1) the researcher's e-mail lists; (2) a group of City Core/City Year volunteers; (3) a night club frequented by young adults; (4) patients enrolled at Test Positive Awareness Network (TPAN), an agency that provides HIV/AIDS counseling, testing and referral services to a north shore community in Chicago Illinois; and (5) co-workers' adult children. One hundred-four participants met at least three to four of the criteria which included: (1) age range between 18 and 30 years; (2) be at least a high school graduate; (3) have participated in either an abstinence-only or comprehensive sexuality education program; and (4) have an active e-mail address. Comprehensive sexuality education appeared to be more effective than abstinence-only sexuality education. It was recommended that this study be conducted on a larger scale using a larger sample. In addition, it may be worthwhile to examine program effectiveness through those who have participated in both abstinence-only sexuality education and comprehensive sexuality education for a better comparison. Appended are: (1) Cover Letter; (2) Questionnaire; and (3) response Tally. (Contains 10 tables.)