Subject Area
Sociology
Description
This was a relational study to examine the possibly of a correlation between type of high school sex education and types of attitudes and behaviors towards sex within the context of the college social environment. A review of the literature shows that comprehensive sex education has been more effective than no sex education or abstinence only sex education in delaying sexual activity, more effective in providing students information on using contraceptives for safe-sex practices, and more effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and the HIV virus. The literature lacked any substantial information on the effects of sex education specifically for college students. The data for this quantitative relational study came from a questionnaire administered to 100 freshman and sophomores at a private Catholic college in the New England area. Findings showed that there was a significant relationship between having a comprehensive education and having more positive knowledge and behaviors towards sex compared to those who had no sex education or an abstinence only sex education. Those who received a more comprehensive education were also less likely to drink and use illegal substances compared to those who did not have a comprehensive sex education. Future research should be used to determine ways in which sex education can be taught that may influence students to perform less risky behavior within the college social scene.
Publisher
Providence College
Date
Spring 2011
Type
Thesis
Format
Text
Language
English
Comments
A project based on independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Originally written for the Theory Practice Seminar, Providence College, 2011.