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The positive messages of abstinence education are supported by research. There is a growing body of evidence that shows:
- the majority of parents and teens believe it is important to delay sexual activity until at least past high school
- the negative effects of teen sex,
- the positive benefits of teen abstinence, and
- the efficacy of abstinence programs.
We have provided a list of links to articles and abstracts that illuminate some of these findings. Because many of these articles reside on other sites, it is possible that a location has been moved. We have hopefully provided enough identification that articles can be found on their host sites, should this occur.
NWFS does not necessarily endorse any of the views found on the following sites, but merely offers individual articles and research for review.
Why Abstinence?
Articles and Research on underlying problems of teen and premarital sexual activity and the benefits of abstinence: (Note: While some articles refer to virginity, sexually active teens may still decide to practice secondary abstinence.)
The Case for the Cautious Generation
Putting What Works to Work, a project of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Number 2, June 2003.
A look at teen attitudes toward sex. This contains a 2002 National Campaign survey which found that 2/3 of adolescents aged 12-19 who have had sex wish that they had waited longer.
The Sexual Behavior or Young Adolescents
Putting What Works to Work, a project of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Number 3, Sept. 2003.
This article examines the sexual behavior of students younger than 15 and addresses specific problems and risks with that group, including the non-voluntary and unwanted sex.
Association of Virginity at Age 18 with Educational, Economic, Social, and Health Outcomes in Middle Adulthood
Reginald Finger, MD, MPH, Tonya Thelen, BS, John T.Vessey, PhD, Joanna K. Mohn, MD, Joshua R. Mann, MD, MPH
Published in Adolescent & Family Health, a Journal of the Institute for Youth Development, April 2005
This study found that men and women who had not had sexual intercourse by age 18 had higher salaries, more years of education, and lower rates of divorce at age 38 than their peers who were not virgins at age 18.
(Full access to this article requires a subscription to the journal. An abstract may be found on the Focus on the Family site here)
Virginity and the First Time
A study from the Kaiser Family Foundation and Seventeen Magazine, Oct. 2003.
This study shows the attitudes of teens on matters regarding sex, virginity, and their peers. Findings include: 92% of teens think that being a virgin in high school is a good thing, and that half of those pooled who were sexually active wish they had waited.
Teenagers who have sex and use drugs have an increased suicide risk…
According to an article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Jan. 2005.
This article shows that teens who have sex and use drugs have higher rates of depression and suicide. Because this journal requires a paid subscription to view, a description of the finding may be found here.
Abstinence Education.
Articles and Research specifically addressing the need for, and effectiveness of, abstinence-only education:
The Effectiveness of Abstinence Education Programs in Reducing Sexual Activity Among Youth
Robert Rector
Published in The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder, No. 1533, April 5, 2002
This article gives an overview of the consequences of early sexual activity as well as the effectiveness of various abstinence programs across the United States.
Managing the sexually transmitted disease pandemic: A time for reevaluation
Stephen J. Genuis,
Published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2004)
Increasingly, some in the medical profession are becoming skeptical of the efficacy of "safer sex" methods, and are discussing the limits of the safe sex approach in dealing with the epidemic. This article discusses the extent of the STD problem, and the ways in which it can, and cannot, be managed.
Executive Summary: "Can Abstinence Work? An Analysis of the Best Friends Program"
Robert Lerner, Ph.D.
Study found that girls who have attended the Best Friends abstinence program are substantially less likely to smoke, drink, take drugs, and have sex than are YRBS respondents.
2005 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Longitudinal/Behavior Outcome Study: An independent evaluation of Choosing the Best WAY, PATH, and LIFE
Dr. Stan Weed.
Submitted for review to the Journal of School Health, March 2005
The study, funded by a Federal SPRANS grant, began in 2002 and concluded in 2004. After one year, results among those students receiving CTB (treatment group) vs. those receiving the health textbook (comparison group) indicated a statistically significant decrease in the initiation of teen sex and improvements in five of the six intervening attitudinal variables associated with delaying sexual intercourse.
Virginity Pledgers Have Lower STD Rates and Engage in Fewer Risky Sexual Behaviors
by Robert Rector and Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D.
Research conducted by the Heritage Foundation and presented by Rector and Johnson at the Eighth Annual National Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2005.
Study contradicts earlier findings that criticized abstinence pledges as ineffective. New research into the data shows positive results for virginity pledges and abstinence programs.
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