A 2005 survey of 12,000 adolescents found that those who…
““A 2005 survey of 12,000 adolescents found that those who had pledged to remain abstinent until marriage were more likely to have oral and anal sex than other teens, less likely to use condoms, and just as likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases as their unapologetically non-abstinent peers. The study’s authors found that 88 percent of those who pledged abstinence admitted to failing to keep their pledge.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Abstinence pledges often lead to higher risk behaviors and low condom use, resulting in similar STI rates as non‑abstinent peers.
In simple terms: Pledges can backfire, increasing risky sex and low condom use.
Key Takeaway
Abstinence pledges may not protect health.
Themes
sexual health
behavioral psychology
adolescent development
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
research
policy
educational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- parental guidance
- teen counseling
- policy making
Key Concepts
risk compensation
sexual education
public health
Questions to Reflect On
- How can sexual education balance values with realistic risk information?
- What alternatives reduce risky behavior without pledges?
A Different Perspective
Abstinence education without comprehensive info can leave teens unprotected.