We conducted a qualitative analysis of 148 college students' written comments about themselves as sexual decision makers. Most participants described experiences in which they were actively engaged in decision-making processes of "waiting it out" to "working it out." The four patterns were (a) I am in control, (b) I am experimenting and learning,…

Clarifies concept of family life education by using methods of analytical inquiry. Systematically examines two essential features of family life education concept (general purpose/intended outcome and subject matter/content) and of the meaning of the word "education." Also clarifies distinction between family life education and other…

Examined the effects of a short term, church-based program in relation to three program goals: increased sex information, heightened self-esteem, and clarity of personal sexual values. Using a pre-posttest, control group design, significant positive change in sex information and clarity of personal sexual values were found. (Author/BL)

Reviews technological, demographic, and cultural changes in the social context for sexuality education and suggests that the health promotion paradigm may offer the most promising means of achieving future impact on personal behavior. (Author/BL)

Results of a survey of 130 mothers of school children in grades 6, 9 and 12 in Ontario, Canada, found most supported the teaching of sex education but were divided about which values should be taught. The strongest variable related both to attitudes and values in sex education was premarital sexual attitudes. (Author/BL)

Evaluated a preparation for marriage workshop using pre- and post-workshop assessments of various personal and relationship issues related to marriage, and a follow-up questionnaire. Noted that the greatest improvements in individual and couple responses were communication and sexual relationships, and that indecision about aspects of marital…

Reviews research literature on the mother-daughter relationship as a transmission structure for sexual socialization. While the literature indicates generally low levels of direct communication about sex between mothers and daughters, the influence of the mother on the daughter's sexual and contraceptive behavior is also indicated. (Author)

Thirty adult daughters were asked for their memories and wishes regarding mother-daughter sexuality education. Memories were primarily of negative, nonverbal messages, and limited discussion focused on warnings and rules. The women wished for openness and discussion of feelings and choices. Most exonerated their mothers for inadequacies and hoped…

Reports on trends in adolescent sexual health, the relation between parenting and adolescent sexual outcomes, and adolescent sexuality interventions. Discusses parenting efforts related to adolescent sexual behavior. Examines adolescent sexuality programs with a parent component. Review of 19 programs supports the incorporation of theory and the…

Argues the necessity of making distinctions between facts, values as subject matter, value judgments, and world views when discussing goals and methods of sexuality education. Demonstrates the utility of such distinctions through analysis of one debate. Proposes the development of critical inquiry skills as the primary goal of sexuality education.…

Surveyed parents (N=217) of young adolescents regarding their attitudes toward sex education. Found that parents wanted to be the primary sex educators of their children, and wanted schools to supplement their efforts. These parents wanted diverse topics covered by schools and wanted them introduced no later than ninth grade.

Examimed effects of a church-based sex education program on sexual communication between adolescents (N=26) and their parents and peers on such topics as values, sexual attraction, and sexual identity. Found increased communication with parents suggesting positive impact of such programs on parent-child communication. (Author/ABL)

Evaluated an abstinence-only sexual activity prevention program, Stay SMART, which also aims to prevent drug use among Boys and Girls Club youths. No effects were observed for virgins. Desired effects for sexual behavior and attitudes toward sexual activity were found for nonvirgins who participated in only Stay SMART. (Author/RJM)

Examined the influence of sex, age, religion, and occupation on attitudes of 335 adults concerning family planning education. Results of a questionnaire indicated general support. The higher the respondent's occupational status, the more favorable the attitude. Respondents also indicated religion should form the base for family planning education.…

Describes a process for circumventing concerns that a large college lecture class would be impersonal, intimidating, and counterproductive by linking together two related courses on human relationships and sexuality and designing assignments that stimulate a high level of student achievement. Course has been evaluated positively by students.…