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A review of 21 curricula for abstinence‐only‐until‐marriage programs
Author(s) -
Wilson Kelly L.,
Goodson Patricia,
Pruitt B.E.,
Buhi Eric,
DavisGunnels Emily
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2005.00003.x
Subject(s) - abstinence , curriculum , psychology , medical education , medicine , psychiatry , pedagogy
The authors reviewed the content, methods, and overall quality of 21 curricula used in abstinence‐only‐until‐marriage programs. Only materials designed for use in middle school grades (fifth to eighth) or with middle school–aged audiences (9‐13 years of age), which presented the abstinence message in at least 40% of their content, were included. A rating instrument adapted from 2 sets of education guidelines structured the assessment of each curriculum. Four experienced teachers rated each curriculum. Curricula exhibited considerable variability in overall quality ratings. While on average, materials scored a 3.33 on a 1‐to‐5 scale (1 = Unacceptable; 5 = Excellent), 12 curricula received summative scores above the average, with 4 scoring 4.0 or higher. Eight curricula, however, received a below‐average rating. While abstinence materials vary considerably in terms of overall quality, the values and world views underlying this sample of curricula were clear and consistent: those who develop abstinence education curricula value nonsexual antecedents of sexual behavior such as skills (goal setting, decision making, and assertiveness), ideals (fidelity, friendships), and psychological factors such as self‐esteem . (J Sch Health. 2005;75(3):90‐98)