Background: Contraceptive use by women with learning disabilities differs from that of nondisabled women of a similar age. Women with learning disabilities start contraception earlier and often use it when they are not sexually active. Hence, there is a need to hear directly from these women about their experiences of contraceptive…

The first part of this report characterizes the many facets of the population problem (including biological, economic, and social aspects), suggests a list of areas in which the Federal Government should emphasize research (reproductive biology; fertility regulation techniques and materials; description, determinants, consequences of population…

Results from a study of 104 college students generally did not corroborate previous findings. A small, statistically significant correlation between locus of control and birth control knowledge was found, but the practical significance of the relationship was diminished because the correlation was small and other relationships tested were found to…

The pros and cons of sexuality education are discussed in this report from Planned Parenthood. Research on the effectiveness of sexuality education has focused primarily on college students, having little relevance for teenage sexuality education. The Kirby report, two studies of the effects of sexuality education on teenagers' attitudes,…

School leaders must make good decisions about sex education based on valid information. This article presents 17 arguments most frequently advanced by groups opposing comprehensive sexuality education and examines the scientific literature to determine those arguments' validity. Topics include abstinence instruction, intimate sexual behavior…

A methodology is developed based on axiomatic conjoint measurement to accompany a fertility decision-making model. The usefulness of the model is then demonstrated via an application to a study of contraceptive choice (N=100 male and female family-planning clinic clients). Finally, the validity of the model is evaluated. (TJH)

This paper reviews the author's research on the role of certain aspects of alienation in education. The first part of the paper discusses similarities between anomie and locus of reinforcement control, as they assess the normlessness and powerlessness aspects of alienation. The second part reports results from studies attempting to modify one's…

A review of 20 United States studies of adolescent sexual behavior was undertaken to integrate data accumulated over the past three decades. Several methodological incongruities made comparisons difficult, so suggestions are made for future research. Available data suggest a gradual evolution, not a revolution, in adolescent sexual behavior.…

Reviews the state of knowledge on adolescent sexual behavior in the following areas: (1) onset of sexual behavior as a function of cohort, gender, and ethnic differences; (2) biological, social, and cognitive processes underlying such behavior; (3) demographic trends in the use of contraceptives; (4) research problems; and (5) successful programs.…