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(4/13/2007)
Abstinence Programs Proven Effective Reports dispute claims of ineffectiveness
WASHINGTON, DC—Recent media have reported that abstinence education is ineffective. While these reports cite one study, there are many more substantive reports that show otherwise. In addition to studies proving the benefits of sexual abstinence for teenagers, there are multiple studies available on specific programs, which show that abstinence education positively affects student attitudes and behaviors. Following is a non-exhaustive list of programs which, through formal study, have been shown effective in their purposes. FRIENDS FIRST Quinceañera Program increased protective factors such as parent/child communication about sexuality and sexual boundaries during a key developmental stage. Ohio’s Abstinence Education Program during 2005-2006 produced results that suggest students in grades six through eight improved attitudes and behavior regarding sex and other high-risk behaviors. Family Accountability Communicating Teen Sexuality (FACTS) (English) and Datos y Razones (DATOS) (Spanish) received high ratings from students who specifically benefited in social skills such as handling problems and resisting peer pressure. Too Young For Two (of Girls Incorporated of Rapid City, SD) has been shown to improve adolescent girls’ decisions about sexual activity and other risky behaviors. B-Unique resulted in statistically significant improvements in pro-abstinence knowledge and refusal skills, attitudes toward abstinence and increased commitment to abstinence until graduation and marriage. Pure & Simple Lifestyle (PSL) has shown immediate changes in attitudes toward abstinence in both urban and rural areas. F.A.M.E. (Family Action Model for Empowerment) has proven effective in increasing attitudes and behaviors, among adolescents and families, associated with reduced incidence of high-risk sexual behaviors among teens. Teens Taking Charge (TTC) has been shown to help participants internalize information and concepts regarding sexual activity and other high-risk behaviors, enabling them to make informed decisions. Peers Educating and Encouraging Responsible Sexuality (PEERS) has produced results showing that youths were more likely to be committed to abstinence and have an abstinence rationale after participating in the program than were non-participants. Project REACH has increased the likelihood of participants practicing abstinence. A compendium of abstracts from each of these studies and many more is available at http://www.abstinence.net. “Opponents of abstinence education have refused to recognize the abundance of both general research that supports abstinent behaviors and programmatic research, which demonstrate the effectiveness of abstinence education,” commented Leslee Unruh, president of the National Abstinence Clearinghouse.
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