“Hey, Have You Been Tested?” The Influence of Comprehensive or Abstinence-Only Sexuality Education on Safer Sex Communication and Behavior

Abstract

This study explored how sexuality education relates to young and emerging adults’ sexual behavior and communication. A questionnaire measured 140 U.S. participants’ (18–28) school-based sexuality education, age at sexual debut, birth control use, relationship with recent sexual partner, and safer sex communication (SSC) during their last encounter. Those who underwent abstinence-only sexuality education began having sex a year later than those who had comprehensive sexuality education. Contraceptive use did not differ across sex education type. Overall, respondents reported high levels of SSC, with minimal differences in SSC across sexuality education types. Implications for sexuality education and SSC training are discussed.

Keywords:

• Abstinence-only
• sexuality education
• risk perception
• sexual health
• safer sex communication

Notes

1 With permission from the state Department of Education, some localities in Mississippi may incorporate contraception and STIs into their sexuality education; however, abstinence is still stressed (Guttmacher Institute, 2020).

2 See Guttmacher Institute (2020) for more information regarding state-by-state sexuality education mandates and curricula. Although this source is an advocacy organization, it provides credible data that are updated more regularly than academic publications.