Evaluation of a Church-Based Sexuality Education Program for Adolescents

Abstract

This study examines the effects of a shortterm church-based sex education program in relation to 3 program goals: increased sex information; heightened self-esteem; and clarity of personal sexual values. This church program was designed for adolescents in grades 9-12. Approximately 10 hours of information and discussion of sexual issues were contained in the shortterm program which can be implemented during a weekend. The programs purpose was to present a holistic view of sexuality that affirms the importance of people as sexual beings and encourages consideration of varying opinions values and consequences regarding sexual issues. The adolescents were encouraged to challenge sexual steroetypes and myths and to make responsible decisions regarding their own sexual choices. Experimental group subjects were selected from a population of high school age youth who attended a large Protestant church in a Dallas Texas suburb. All program participants taking the pretests and posttests were included in the experimental group for a total of 74 adolescents -- 49 females and 25 males. Control subjects were selected from a church of the same denomination and from the same geographic area as well as of similar size. All high school youth who attended Sunday school on the designated pretest date were asked to take the test. Posttests were adminstered to control group subjects on a Sunday afternoon 3 weeks after the treatment weekend. 41 control group subjects returned to take the posttest -- 26 females and 15 males. No significant change in the self-esteem variable was found. There was significant positive change in sex information and clarity of personal sexual values. Follow-up assessment would ascertain if the positive effects are maintained over time. The study data indicate that a shortterm church-based sexuality program for high school adolescents can have positive effects on sexual learning and clarity of personal sexual values.