Tips for Selecting, Developing, or Adapting an
Abstinence Education Curriculum
Deciding on an abstinence education curriculum can be a daunting task. By taking into consideration specific teaching parameters as well as recent research findings, providers can identify, create, or adapt a curriculum that fits best with their program’s unique circumstances.
Note: Neither the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) nor the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth (NCFY) recommends or endorses any particular abstinence education curricula. Further, while this fact sheet includes links to Web sites with information relevant to abstinence education, inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by FYSB, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or NCFY. Moreover, the points of view or opinions expressed on these Web sites do not necessarily represent the official position, policies, or views of FYSB, HHS, or NCFY.
- STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS
- LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
When evaluating different curricula, keep in mind the setting in which the organization will operate. Logistical issues may include class size, class period time, program duration, participant demographics, and opportunities for followup. No single curriculum will be a perfect fit for every program.
- EFFECTIVE COMPONENTS
Research points to many characteristics that may strengthen the short- and long-term effectiveness of abstinence education programs.
- Involving parents increases the effectiveness of abstinence education programs.[1], [2], [3]
- Stressing and cultivating peer support for abstinence increases the likelihood that youth will refrain from sexual activity, as does correcting the teen perception that "everyone is doing it."[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]
- Programs that strengthen school attachment or that involve community service have been shown to reduce multiple risk behaviors, including sexual activity.[9], [10], [11]
- Employing a variety of instructional methods (e.g., role play activities, skill building activities, homework with parents, etc.) increases program effectiveness.[12]
- Teaching refusal skills is important. In one study, sexually active youth were more likely to report never having been taught refusal skills, while virgins reported using refusal skills often.[13]
- Both the number of instruction hours and consistent followup activities and messages impact the effectiveness of programs encouraging behavior change in adolescents.[14], [15], [16]
- Different approaches are more or less effective when working with youth of various races and ethnicities. Cultural competence not only demonstrates respect for the youth involved, but will also increase the likelihood that the message is accepted. Current research provides specific guidance for those working with African American,[17], [18] Hispanic,[19] Asian American,[20] and Native American youth.[21], [22]
- Relationship skills programs can also help young people resist sexual pressure and develop more positive attitudes toward abstinence and marriage.[23], [24] These programs, which typically address interpersonal communication and self-efficacy, may also contribute to lower divorce rates.[25]
- Youth with a positive self-concept and greater personal assets are more likely to delay sexual activity.[26], [27] Successful programs should therefore seek to incorporate character education and personal skills and asset building.[28]
- Successful programs are theory based.[29] Most focus on social behavior theory, which helps participants evaluate perceived benefits against the costs of risk behavior.
- Curricula should identify specific measurable behavior goals for participants.[30], [31]
- Successful curricula should include an evaluation component that measures the effectiveness of delaying sexual debut and the shift in attitudes towards delaying sexual activity. For examples of such evaluations, see Effectiveness of Abstinence Education Programs: Annotated Bibliography of Recent Research.
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Other organizations and agencies that facilitate abstinence education programs can be a valuable source of information. Contact information - often including Web addresses - for all State abstinence education program coordinators and CBAE grantees may be found on the Family and Youth Services Bureau Web site.
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