Abstinence-only education is an approach to teaching about sexual health that focuses exclusively on preventing premarital or non-marital sexual activity through abstinence. It typically involves instruction on the dangers of unprotected sex, but does not discuss the benefits of contraception or other forms of protection. This type of education has been used extensively in many religious settings where chastity before marriage is valued highly.
There are long-term psychological outcomes for people who have experienced this kind of education which may be detrimental to their overall wellbeing.
One potential outcome is shame around sex and sexuality. People who receive abstinence-only education may feel like they are "bad" or "sinful" for engaging in sexual behavior outside of marriage. They may also internalize negative messages about sex that lead them to feel ashamed or guilty about their desires. This can impact their self-esteem and lead to difficulties forming healthy relationships.
They may develop anxiety or fear around intimacy and intimate relationships, leading to problems such as avoidance, isolation, or difficulty communicating effectively with partners.
Another possible outcome is confusion about sexual identity. Abstinence-only education often emphasizes the importance of waiting until marriage to have sex, which can create a sense of pressure or urgency among young people to find a partner quickly. This can lead to impulsive or unhealthy decisions regarding relationships and sexual behavior, which can ultimately cause more harm than good. People who experience abstinence-only education may struggle to understand their own sexual orientation or gender identity if it differs from what is expected by their faith community.
People who have received abstinence-only education may experience increased risk of sexual assault or violence. Because they lack knowledge about safe practices and healthy boundaries, they may be more vulnerable to predatory behaviors and less likely to recognize warning signs of danger. In addition, they may be less comfortable seeking help or support when needed due to feelings of guilt or embarrassment.
While abstinence-only education can have some benefits for individuals and communities, it is important to consider the long-term psychological outcomes for those who receive this type of instruction. By understanding these potential effects, we can work towards creating a more holistic approach to teaching about sexual health that includes all aspects of human sexuality.
What are the long-term psychological outcomes for people who experienced abstinence-only education in faith-based contexts?
Faith-based abstinence education is often characterized by a moralistic approach that emphasizes the importance of refraining from sexual activity until marriage. This type of education may lead to psychological consequences such as increased anxiety about sexuality and intimacy, fear of rejection or punishment if one engages in premarital sex, and shame about oneself as a result of being taught to view sexual acts outside of marriage as sinful.