Title: A Comparison of Middle School Youth Abstinent Behavior on Environmental Factors
50-100 Word Description: This presentation will compare pre and post intervention data collected from middle school participants in Title V funded abstinence programs in Texas. Comparative data will be presented based on environmental factors related to sexual abstinence: family dynamics, other adult relationships, community/school, safe environment, boundaries. This presentation provides an opportunity for professionals to learn about youth behavior, environmental factors, as well as statewide efforts to delay out-of-wedlock sexual activity.
Behavioral Objective(s): At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: a. Identify differences among environmental factors for middle school youth. b. Identify environmental factors (family dynamics, other adult relationships, community/school, safe environment, boundaries) for which sexually active and abstinent youth differ. c. Describe potential explanations for sexual activity differences among middle school youth.
Purpose: Compare youth who participate in Title V funded abstinence programs in Texas. Youth will be compared based on environmental factors related to sexual abstinence: family dynamics, other adult relationships, community/school, safe environment, boundaries.
Methods: Pre and post intervention data are reported for school year 2003-2004. Youth data are part of a statewide evaluation and were collected by Title V abstinence programs. Environmental factor questions were asked on TAMU’s “Youth Survey,” and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and effect size correlations.
Findings: Pre-intervention results showed that middle school youth participated in sexual intercourse (12%), were involved in “making out” with someone (63%), and participated in “petting” with someone (75%). Differences between sexually active and abstinence youth regarding environmental factors (family dynamics, other adult relationships, community/school, safe environment, & boundaries) will be presented for pre and post intervention. A measure of strength of association (Cohen’s d) is computed and reported for each main effect.
Conclusion: Intricate characteristics of abstinence programs and youth sexual behavior present a substantial challenge for schools and health educators. This study presents an opportunity for professionals to learn about youth behavior, environmental factors, as well as statewide efforts to delay out-of-wedlock sexual activity.