Sex Education Among Recent High School Graduates

Abstract

Introduction Sexuality education varies considerably from abstinence-only to comprehensive sex education and can influence knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about sexuality. We examined the relations among types of sex education, sex-positive and purity culture attitudes, and sexual and reproductive health knowledge among a group of diverse high school graduates. Methods This study captured the sexuality knowledge and attitudes pursuant to the type of sex education received among a sample of 1005 high school graduates. Data were collected in the summer of 2023. We used ANOVAs, MANOVA, and linear regressions to examine relations among sex education type, sexual and reproductive health knowledge, sex-positive and purity culture beliefs, and participants’ self-reported readiness for their sexual lives. Results Participants who reported receiving abstinence-only sex education endorsed more purity culture beliefs and fewer sex-positive beliefs than those who experienced comprehensive sex education. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge was poor. Participants who experienced comprehensive sex education rated that education as better preparing them for a healthy sexual life compared to those who had abstinence-only education. Conclusions Findings reveal the relation of sex education type on attitudes toward sexuality and self-reported readiness for adults’ sexual lives. Policy Implications Policymakers, educators, and others who work with young people should champion sex-positive, comprehensive sex education. More work is needed to ensure sex education yields an informed public who can navigate their sexual lives effectively.