Self-Perception of Sexual Health Knowledge: Differences Between Comprehensive Sex Education and Abstincence-Only Sex Education

Lauren T. Jewell
Dr. Bridget Thomas and Dr. Ashley Ramsey, Faculty Mentors

Nearly 5% of pregnancies each year are unintended and unwanted in the United States, which is nearly double the rates of other similarly developed countries that utilize comprehensive sex education. This study will establish the differences between Comprehensive Sex Education and Abstinence-Only Education, observe which curricula lead to overall better health outcomes, and whether these educational programs’ differences impact an individual later in life. The present study seeks to identify attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of Truman students regarding their prior sexual health education model by ranking their perceived knowledge and then testing to see if their ranking is accurate. My working hypothesis is that Comprehensive Sex Education will lead to higher percentages of correct answers on the survey and overall better health outcomes when compared to abstinence only education.

 

Keywords: Comprehensive Sex Education, Abstinence-Only Sex Education, Sexual Health, Contraceptives

Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies
Psychology
Health Science

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA