An Evaluation of an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program: Is "Just Say No" Enough?

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of an abstinence promotion program that targeted US middle school-age children. After being exposed to 6 program sessions that focused on self-esteem communication skills peer pressure and teaching the value that sex should be confined to marriage the only change shown by the 191 mostly minority participants but not the 129 controls is an increase in precoital sexual activity. The implications for family life education are discussed. (authors)