Pub Date : 2022-07-10DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2096163
Amy J. Peterson, Gillian K. Silver, Heather Bell, Stephanie Guinosso, K. Coyle
Abstract This synthesis of 30 qualitative studies examined young people’s views on pornography related to their sexual health. Synthesis revealed pornography use is considered normal by young people, reinforced by its usefulness as a tool for pleasure, information, and instruction in the absence of sufficient sexuality education. However, youth can become distressed by misogynistic, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or violent pornography content. Youth lack spaces to discuss pornography with trusted adults, leaving them to manage their use without support and potentially leading to harmful attitudes and unrealistic expectations about sex. Implications include the need for additional research and increased access to inclusive sexuality education.
{"title":"Young People’s Views on Pornography and Their Sexual Development, Attitudes, and Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research","authors":"Amy J. Peterson, Gillian K. Silver, Heather Bell, Stephanie Guinosso, K. Coyle","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2096163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2096163","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This synthesis of 30 qualitative studies examined young people’s views on pornography related to their sexual health. Synthesis revealed pornography use is considered normal by young people, reinforced by its usefulness as a tool for pleasure, information, and instruction in the absence of sufficient sexuality education. However, youth can become distressed by misogynistic, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or violent pornography content. Youth lack spaces to discuss pornography with trusted adults, leaving them to manage their use without support and potentially leading to harmful attitudes and unrealistic expectations about sex. Implications include the need for additional research and increased access to inclusive sexuality education.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"171 - 209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43478637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-04DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2095315
Monica St. George, Danielle R. M. Niemela, R. Zeglin
Abstract Suicide continues to be a considerable health risk among adolescents and is the second leading cause of death among adolescents between the ages of 10 and 24. Middle school-aged adolescents may be at a heightened risk for suicide, as middle school can be rife with intrapersonal and interpersonal stressors. One such stressor may be sexual activity and navigating sexual relationships. Past research has shown that parents can play an important role in helping adolescents cope with stressors at this age, but there is no identified research assessing whether parental conversations about sex are associated with suicidality among adolescents. The current study addressed this gap via secondary data analysis using logistic regression with a sample of 3,568 middle school students (mean age = 12.74; SD = 1.08). Results suggest that parental conversations about sex are a significant protective factor against suicidality, but only among adolescents who report having engaged in sexual activity.
{"title":"Parents Talking to Middle School Children about Sex: A Protective Factor against Suicide in Sexually Active Teens","authors":"Monica St. George, Danielle R. M. Niemela, R. Zeglin","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2095315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2095315","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Suicide continues to be a considerable health risk among adolescents and is the second leading cause of death among adolescents between the ages of 10 and 24. Middle school-aged adolescents may be at a heightened risk for suicide, as middle school can be rife with intrapersonal and interpersonal stressors. One such stressor may be sexual activity and navigating sexual relationships. Past research has shown that parents can play an important role in helping adolescents cope with stressors at this age, but there is no identified research assessing whether parental conversations about sex are associated with suicidality among adolescents. The current study addressed this gap via secondary data analysis using logistic regression with a sample of 3,568 middle school students (mean age = 12.74; SD = 1.08). Results suggest that parental conversations about sex are a significant protective factor against suicidality, but only among adolescents who report having engaged in sexual activity.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"282 - 299"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48240419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-25DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2082616
P. Tavrow, Lauren Schenker, M. R. Johnson
Abstract In the past decade, several states have introduced comprehensive sexuality education standards for public schools, but the impact is unknown because mechanisms to monitor adherence and improve quality have been lacking. In this study, we pilot-tested an approach for high school students to assess sexuality education standards mandated by the California Healthy Youth Act. We introduced a 15-minute online survey administered at the conclusion of sexuality education instruction. Results from thirteen Los Angeles high schools indicated that the approach was acceptable, feasible, and valid. It provided actionable data about which standards were being followed and whether the classroom environment was conducive to learning.
{"title":"A Student-Centered Approach for Assessing Sexuality Education in the Classroom","authors":"P. Tavrow, Lauren Schenker, M. R. Johnson","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2082616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2082616","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In the past decade, several states have introduced comprehensive sexuality education standards for public schools, but the impact is unknown because mechanisms to monitor adherence and improve quality have been lacking. In this study, we pilot-tested an approach for high school students to assess sexuality education standards mandated by the California Healthy Youth Act. We introduced a 15-minute online survey administered at the conclusion of sexuality education instruction. Results from thirteen Los Angeles high schools indicated that the approach was acceptable, feasible, and valid. It provided actionable data about which standards were being followed and whether the classroom environment was conducive to learning.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"1 - 23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45678712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-23DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2086655
Ozlem Karatana, A. Ergun, Saime Erol
Abstract College women are at more risk in terms of sexual behavior than male students. This study was carried out to determine the effect of the transtheoretical model-based Healthy Youth Program on college women's sexual health knowledge and behaviors. The sample of the study, which was conducted with a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, consisted of 207 first-year college women. It was determined that the Healthy Youth Program was effective in improving the sexual health knowledge and behaviors of college women. It can be used as a guide in sexual health education in colleges.
{"title":"The Effect of the Transtheoretical Model-Based Healthy Youth Program on Sexual Health Knowledge and Behavior of College Women","authors":"Ozlem Karatana, A. Ergun, Saime Erol","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2086655","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2086655","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract College women are at more risk in terms of sexual behavior than male students. This study was carried out to determine the effect of the transtheoretical model-based Healthy Youth Program on college women's sexual health knowledge and behaviors. The sample of the study, which was conducted with a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, consisted of 207 first-year college women. It was determined that the Healthy Youth Program was effective in improving the sexual health knowledge and behaviors of college women. It can be used as a guide in sexual health education in colleges.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"300 - 317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47175313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-15DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2087815
J. Liddell, Juliet Herzberg
Abstract Native American groups in the United States experience extensive sexual and reproductive health disparities. However, the sexual health education and communication experiences of Native American groups are understudied. Thirty-one interviews were conducted with Native American women in the United States’ Gulf Coast about their sexual and reproductive health experiences. Women reported the following themes: (a) Lack of Formal Sex Education; (b) Young Pregnancy; (c) Lack of Knowledge about HIV/STDs; (d) Lack of Communication about Menstruation; (e) Communication Experiences about Sexual and Reproductive Health; and (f) Stigma Around Discussing Sexual and Reproductive Topics. The findings of this research indicate that there are gaps in sexual health education and highlight the ways female tribal members act as health leaders in their communities.
{"title":"“They Didn’t Talk About Stuff like That”: Sexual Health Education Experiences of a Native American Tribe in the Gulf Coast","authors":"J. Liddell, Juliet Herzberg","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2087815","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2087815","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Native American groups in the United States experience extensive sexual and reproductive health disparities. However, the sexual health education and communication experiences of Native American groups are understudied. Thirty-one interviews were conducted with Native American women in the United States’ Gulf Coast about their sexual and reproductive health experiences. Women reported the following themes: (a) Lack of Formal Sex Education; (b) Young Pregnancy; (c) Lack of Knowledge about HIV/STDs; (d) Lack of Communication about Menstruation; (e) Communication Experiences about Sexual and Reproductive Health; and (f) Stigma Around Discussing Sexual and Reproductive Topics. The findings of this research indicate that there are gaps in sexual health education and highlight the ways female tribal members act as health leaders in their communities.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"231 - 260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42735751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-05-27DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2080141
Michele J. Moore, Elissa Barr, Carrigan Hayes, Michael Binder
Abstract
School-based health clinics (SBHCs) offer convenient, free, and much-needed health services to adolescents who have been shown to lack access to preventative care and treatment. With high rates of risky sexual behavior and associated negative health outcomes, SBHCs are particularly effective in providing sexual health services. This article presents results of a survey assessing support for such services through SBHCs. Data were collected using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) software. With significant differences found for each demographic variable assessed, findings document that the majority of participants supported offering all four sexual health services in both middle and high schools: STI/HIV testing, STI/HIV treatment, pregnancy testing, and providing condoms. These findings may be used to reduce barriers in providing SBHCs, advocate for policy change regarding SBHCs, add or expand current SBHCs, and support others in conducting similar studies hoping to document local support to implement these and other sexual health services. Although limited research shows that using local data can impact policy and facilitate local change, more studies are needed to explore the impact of using local data to implement change and further evaluate the impact of sexual health services through SBHCs.
{"title":"Voter Support for Offering Sexual Health Services through School-Based Health Clinics","authors":"Michele J. Moore, Elissa Barr, Carrigan Hayes, Michael Binder","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2080141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2080141","url":null,"abstract":"<p><b>Abstract</b></p><p>School-based health clinics (SBHCs) offer convenient, free, and much-needed health services to adolescents who have been shown to lack access to preventative care and treatment. With high rates of risky sexual behavior and associated negative health outcomes, SBHCs are particularly effective in providing sexual health services. This article presents results of a survey assessing support for such services through SBHCs. Data were collected using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) software. With significant differences found for each demographic variable assessed, findings document that the majority of participants supported offering all four sexual health services in both middle and high schools: STI/HIV testing, STI/HIV treatment, pregnancy testing, and providing condoms. These findings may be used to reduce barriers in providing SBHCs, advocate for policy change regarding SBHCs, add or expand current SBHCs, and support others in conducting similar studies hoping to document local support to implement these and other sexual health services. Although limited research shows that using local data can impact policy and facilitate local change, more studies are needed to explore the impact of using local data to implement change and further evaluate the impact of sexual health services through SBHCs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"229 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138506465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-05-23DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2076758
Leslie Massicotte
Abstract Many sexuality educators in the United States have noted that current sex education models do not meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, and they have begun advocating for anti-racist sex education. Many sexuality instructors, however, work in public schools that require the use of prevention-focused, evidence-based sexuality curricula. This article explores the unique challenges for sexuality instructors in incorporating anti-racist content into the public school classroom. It outlines the intersections of racism and sexuality to manifest the need for anti-racist sex education and offers five strategies for sexuality instructors wishing to incorporate anti-racist frameworks into the evidence-based sex education classroom.
{"title":"Implementing anti-Racist Strategies in the Evidence-Based Sexuality Education Classroom","authors":"Leslie Massicotte","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2076758","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2076758","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Many sexuality educators in the United States have noted that current sex education models do not meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, and they have begun advocating for anti-racist sex education. Many sexuality instructors, however, work in public schools that require the use of prevention-focused, evidence-based sexuality curricula. This article explores the unique challenges for sexuality instructors in incorporating anti-racist content into the public school classroom. It outlines the intersections of racism and sexuality to manifest the need for anti-racist sex education and offers five strategies for sexuality instructors wishing to incorporate anti-racist frameworks into the evidence-based sex education classroom.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"149 - 169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41946709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-05-10DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2070566
Rebecca E. Sanchez, Megan M. Ringel, Katherine L. Goldey
Abstract This study tested how an STI diagnosis influences perceptions of hypothetical romantic/sexual partners. In an online experiment, participants (n = 189) were randomly assigned to one of five vignette conditions, which varied in how a potential partner’s STI status was described. HSV or HIV-positive status (with treatment) decreased the likelihood that participants would have sex or a relationship with the target. However, LGBTQ participants were less likely to consider an STI diagnosis a deal-breaker relative to cisgender, heterosexual participants. Results highlight a need for accurate sex education content about living with treatable but incurable STIs.
{"title":"STIs and Stigma: Effects of STI Diagnoses and Sexual/Gender Minority Identity on Perceptions of Potential Partners","authors":"Rebecca E. Sanchez, Megan M. Ringel, Katherine L. Goldey","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2070566","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2070566","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study tested how an STI diagnosis influences perceptions of hypothetical romantic/sexual partners. In an online experiment, participants (n = 189) were randomly assigned to one of five vignette conditions, which varied in how a potential partner’s STI status was described. HSV or HIV-positive status (with treatment) decreased the likelihood that participants would have sex or a relationship with the target. However, LGBTQ participants were less likely to consider an STI diagnosis a deal-breaker relative to cisgender, heterosexual participants. Results highlight a need for accurate sex education content about living with treatable but incurable STIs.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"84 - 114"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46717944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-21DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2064952
M. Kaidbey, Sui Zhen, Sylvia Wong, S. Navchaa, Gaoshan Junjian
Abstract Live streaming comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to rural schools in China’s western region is an innovative program that was implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Marie Stopes International of China (MSIC), and the Chinese Family Planning Association (CFPA) between September and December 2020. An 8-week CSE course was delivered to 418 Students, grades 7–9, in five middle schools in Western China. The course curriculum applied internationally approved technical standards and was delivered by trained online tutors. An independent research team undertook a curriculum content analysis to evaluate course effectiveness, administered a pre-post students survey, and conducted interviews with students, teachers, and principals. The findings revealed statistically significant positive changes in students’ reproductive and sexual health knowledge (SRH), attitudes, and self-efficacy to make decisions, negotiate, and communicate about sexual matters. Multivariable analysis indicated that the school, gender, and students’ living arrangement were important predictors of outcomes. The study concluded that the pairing of live streaming technology with a comprehensive CSE curriculum is an effective teaching strategy to expand access to CSE to students in remote areas of the country.
{"title":"The Effectiveness of Delivering Comprehensive Sexuality Education Through Live Streaming to Schools in Western China","authors":"M. Kaidbey, Sui Zhen, Sylvia Wong, S. Navchaa, Gaoshan Junjian","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2064952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2064952","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Live streaming comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to rural schools in China’s western region is an innovative program that was implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Marie Stopes International of China (MSIC), and the Chinese Family Planning Association (CFPA) between September and December 2020. An 8-week CSE course was delivered to 418 Students, grades 7–9, in five middle schools in Western China. The course curriculum applied internationally approved technical standards and was delivered by trained online tutors. An independent research team undertook a curriculum content analysis to evaluate course effectiveness, administered a pre-post students survey, and conducted interviews with students, teachers, and principals. The findings revealed statistically significant positive changes in students’ reproductive and sexual health knowledge (SRH), attitudes, and self-efficacy to make decisions, negotiate, and communicate about sexual matters. Multivariable analysis indicated that the school, gender, and students’ living arrangement were important predictors of outcomes. The study concluded that the pairing of live streaming technology with a comprehensive CSE curriculum is an effective teaching strategy to expand access to CSE to students in remote areas of the country.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"115 - 148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49616223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-07DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2060888
Tanya M. Bass, J. Coleman
Abstract This article critiques the History of Sex Education, a publication by SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change (SIECUS). This document identifies the foundations of sex education in the United States. It recognizes the white middle class's centering within the historically racist, classist, and fear-based sex education. SIECUS utilizes this publication to explore the organization’s history and its impact on the progress of sex education. Still, this history is missing recounts of the intersection of gender, race, and sex, including reproductive justice and notable organizations, works, and people.
{"title":"A Review of History of Sex Education by SIECUS","authors":"Tanya M. Bass, J. Coleman","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2060888","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2060888","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article critiques the History of Sex Education, a publication by SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change (SIECUS). This document identifies the foundations of sex education in the United States. It recognizes the white middle class's centering within the historically racist, classist, and fear-based sex education. SIECUS utilizes this publication to explore the organization’s history and its impact on the progress of sex education. Still, this history is missing recounts of the intersection of gender, race, and sex, including reproductive justice and notable organizations, works, and people.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"17 1","pages":"548 - 556"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49627661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}