title: A review of 21 curricula for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, A174 Jowers Center, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA. kw25@txstate.edu
authors.forename: Kelly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goodson
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Pruitt
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Buhi
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Davis-Gunnels
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012746:Sexual Abstinence