M. McFarlane, Balca Alaybek, Anna Schatz, J. Painter, Gordon P. Olsen, Kathryn M. Hogan, Tondi Mondoloka, Hanzhe Zhang, J. McCleary-Sills, Alicia Richmond
{"title":"The Current Status of Sex Education in U.S. Colleges and Universities: A School Website Content Review","authors":"Aya Shigeto, L. Scheier","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2130489","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2130489","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study used a website content analysis to examine the prevalence of sex education in higher education institutions throughout the US. A total of 413 postsecondary institutions varying in type (public, private) and size (small, medium, large) were chosen via stratified random sampling. Each of the 413 school websites was reviewed to determine whether sexual health programs, sexual violence prevention programs, and basic sexual health information and resources were provided to their school community. Results show that the majority of institutions reviewed, regardless of the type and size, provided sexual assault prevention programs, whereas a smaller proportion of institutions (mostly public and large) provided sexual health programs. Findings confirm the importance and urgency of allocating more resources to comprehensive sex education in US higher education.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48860478","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}
{"title":"“Shouting into the Void”: Experiences of Virtual Sex Educators during the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"Elleri A. Scriver","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2127433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2127433","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Virtual sexuality education has become increasingly significant since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This research seeks to investigate the common challenges and successes, professional resources, and online tools among sexuality educators teaching virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curriculum adaptation, engagement, trust/connection, and professional support were the most common areas of concern for educators; lack of available online tools seemed unproblematic; technological access presented a significant barrier for rural and marginalized students; and experiences of success did not fall into a clearly defined “best practices” strategy but rather responded to the specific needs of the classroom context. These findings join pre-COVID discussions around sexuality websites and best practices for curriculum adaptation, and suggest a refocus of professional discussion away from listing online tools and toward discussions around strategies for adapting material, promoting engagement, increasing student access, and building trust.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"353 - 377"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49343748","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}
Ruth M. Eyres, William C. Hunter, Alison Happel-Parkins, R. Williamson, L. Casey
{"title":"Important Conversations: Exploring Parental Experiences in Providing Sexuality Education for Their Children with Intellectual Disabilities","authors":"Ruth M. Eyres, William C. Hunter, Alison Happel-Parkins, R. Williamson, L. Casey","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2082617","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2082617","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Parents typically serve as the primary sexuality educators for their children. This qualitative research explored the experiences of parents from Arkansas in providing sexuality education to their children with intellectual disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain the perspective of parents, followed by transcription and coding of data. The analysis of the interview data resulted in several themes related to effective comprehensive sexuality education. Themes discussed in this paper include the individual and unique needs of each child and their family, parents needing collaborative support from other knowledgeable adults, and clear communication in relation to communication partners, communication mode, and regarding topics and skills deemed necessary by parents.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"17 1","pages":"490 - 509"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42704412","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}
{"title":"County-Level School Sex Education Policy: A Single State Analysis of the Association with Adolescent Birth and Sexually Transmitted Infections","authors":"Gaia L. Zori, Steve Foti, Mark Hart","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2091697","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2091697","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Substantial evidence supports comprehensive sex education programs as effective means of promoting adolescent sexual health, but evidence on the effect of state-level sex education policy is inconclusive. Multiple states in the U.S. afford local authority in school policy, and existing literature calls for investigation of the impact of local interpretation and implementation of sex education policy. This study is the first to assess the association between stated county policy and select adolescent sexual health outcomes. In this single state multivariate analysis, stated county policy was not significantly associated with adolescent birth or sexually transmitted infections. The incongruity of evidence between the impacts of sex education programs and policies on teen birth and STIs in Florida suggests that implementation of policy and delivery of sex education at the district or school level may not align with stated county policy and may be a critical mediating factor, confirming an area of essential future research in sex education.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"17 1","pages":"536 - 547"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47263533","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}
{"title":"Differences in Important Components of Sexual Satisfaction as Identified and Experienced by Undergraduate Males and Females","authors":"K. Vail-Smith, B. Chaney, Megan Williams","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2124211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2124211","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Few studies explore the components of sexual satisfaction as specified by college students. This cross-sectional study examined sexual satisfaction at the event level for undergraduate students (n = 1,090), focusing on differences between males/females. Survey results revealed for both males and females, being comfortable with a partner, experiencing orgasm, and having a partner “with skills” predicted sexual satisfaction. Satisfied males reported feeling safe with their partners, spent time touching/kissing, and had “romantic” partners. Satisfied females had partners with previous sexual experience, whom they desired, and vice-versa. These findings can inform comprehensive sexuality education efforts to incorporate the teaching of satisfaction into sexual health.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"504 - 522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46368799","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}
{"title":"Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Risky Sexual Behavior among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review","authors":"J. Ahn, Youngran Yang","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2118199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2118199","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This systematic review aimed to understand the effects of self-esteem on risky sexual behavior (RSB) among adolescents and young adults. We followed the procedures outlined in the Cooper’s five-step approach, and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 reporting requirements. Published studies were identified using nine electronic databases. Studies were included based on (a) a focus on populations aged between 10 and 25 years; (b) an examination of the association between self-esteem-related factors, in line with RSB outcomes among adolescents and young adults; and (c) early sexual debut before 16 years, having multiple sex partners, and unprotected sex. In total, 11,216 studies were identified, of which nine studies met the inclusion criteria. All articles received high quality ratings. Despite methodological limitations, results showed that early sexual debut positively associated with self-esteem among female participants; condom use showed a negative association with lower self-esteem among female participants, while condom use decreased with decreasing self-esteem. Several sexual partners were found not to be associated with self-esteem. Intervention programs to increase the self-esteem of adolescents are recommended by educators to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents and young adults. Moreover, subsequent studies should develop instruments that assess self-esteem using subscales and educational programs that enhance healthy self-esteem development and correct sexual norms in peer groups and local communities. KEY MESSAGE Early sexual debut was positively associated with self-esteem, and condom use negatively associated with self-esteem among adolescents. Intervention programs are recommended to establish healthy self-esteem and reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents and young adults. Future research should consider self-esteem as a pertinent aspect of sexual behaviors (e.g., physical pride, romantic capacity, and sexual autonomy).","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"484 - 503"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44537897","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}
J. Corcoran, Gwendolyn D. Childs, S. Davies, Candace C. Knight, R. Lanzi, Peng Li, S. Ladores
{"title":"Exploring African American Adolescent Females’ Sexual Health Beliefs: A Qualitative Secondary Data Analysis","authors":"J. Corcoran, Gwendolyn D. Childs, S. Davies, Candace C. Knight, R. Lanzi, Peng Li, S. Ladores","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2112794","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2112794","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to gain insight into the sexual beliefs of African American adolescent females and yield greater evidence for reframing the methods used to communicate sexual health education information to educators. Design and methods This is a secondary data analysis of a qualitative descriptive study. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 36 African American females ages 12–14. The qualitative data were analyzed using exploratory deductive thematic analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) perceptions of sexual health education, (b) threat of adverse sexual health outcomes, and (c) perceptions of condom usage. Overall, adolescents had basic sexual health knowledge and accurately appraised their risk for adverse sexual health outcomes. Many adolescents perceived the biggest disadvantage of condom usage was condom ineffectiveness. The greatest barrier to condom usage was male opposition. Adolescents perceived the threat of adverse sexual health outcomes, but the perceived benefits of condom usage in preventing pregnancies and STIs may not outweigh the disadvantages and barriers described by the adolescents. Conclusion The adolescents in this study had knowledge about pregnancies and STIs but lacked the skills necessary to enact safer sex practices.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"443 - 458"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41925133","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}
{"title":"Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Rural Ecologies: An Asset-Based Approach","authors":"Eustina Mudhumo, N. Mthiyane","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2111011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2111011","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning where learners are equipped with knowledge to cope with their developmental changes and risky sexual behaviors. Teaching and learning sexuality education has been seen as the responsibility for teachers only, however research indicate that it is a responsibility and collaboration of all stakeholders. Underpinned by an Asset-based approach as the theoretical framework this study addressed this question: “How can an Asset-based approach be utilized to enhance Comprehensive Sexuality Education in rural ecologies?” A case study research design and an interpretive research as the paradigm were adopted. Data were generated using focus group discussions, one-on-one interviews and reflective narratives with teachers, parents, learners, pastor, chief, nurse, social worker and a local business representative and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings pointed out that, the collaboration of various stakeholders enhance the teaching of sexuality education; a strong ongoing partnership between the community and the school should be maintained and sexuality education workshops for young people in collaboration with communities facilitated by social workers. The study concludes that the teaching of Comprehensive Sexuality Education is not a responsibility for schools only, but encourages community-based collaborations and shared activities from the school communities.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"420 - 442"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49485487","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}
{"title":"“It’s Our Own Community Where We Can Educate Other People and Educate Each Other”: Youth Perspectives on Staffing a Textline","authors":"T. O’Malley, K. Horowitz","doi":"10.1080/15546128.2022.2113197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2022.2113197","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Peer education is a valued strategy for sexuality education and health promotion. Innovative approaches beyond traditional classroom settings offer critical opportunities to support adolescent sexual health. Yet, such models have been rarely used. It’s OK to Ask Someone (IOTAS) is the first to use customized software to enable youth to both ask and answer sexual health questions using cell phones. This article describes an evaluation aimed to understand high school peer educators’ experience staffing IOTAS and perception of how participation impacted their peer education training. Our findings suggest a value in direct peer education opportunities for participants through IOTAS in expanded education and skill development. The health promotion impact of sexuality education using cell phone interventions could be far-reaching for both peer education students and young people outside program participation.","PeriodicalId":45712,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Sexuality Education","volume":"18 1","pages":"401 - 419"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49390074","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}