Abstinence-Only Sex Education: College Students’ Evaluations and Responses

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the abstinence-only sex education experiences of a small group of young adults in the southeastern USA. Most participants felt that their abstinence-only sex education had mixed value and low overall impact in their lives. Perceptions about abstinence, virginity, and marriage varied significantly from those stressed in abstinence-only curricula. Distinct themes emerged about “ideal” sex education content, with strong support for comprehensive instruction and less for emphases on strictly negative outcomes of sexual activity. These responses reflect many curriculum components of comprehensive sex education. Future efforts to develop effective sex education programs should incorporate these concepts.