Parental support for abstinence-only education is: Group of answer choices
a) Lower than parental support for abstinence-plus education
b) Higher than parental support for comprehensive education
c) Lower than parental support for comprehensive education
d) a & b
e) a & c
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is e) a & c.
Parental support for abstinence-only education tends to be lower than support for both abstinence-plus and comprehensive sex education. Abstinence-only education focuses on promoting abstinence as the sole method of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies, often excluding information about contraception and other safer sex methods. While some parents support this approach due to personal, cultural, or religious beliefs, others may feel it does not provide enough information to help their children make informed decisions in the real world.
Research shows that parental support for comprehensive sex education is generally higher than for abstinence-only programs. Comprehensive education includes a broader range of topics, such as contraception, STI prevention, healthy relationships, and communication skills. Many parents appreciate that comprehensive programs offer a more balanced approach and prepare their children for a variety of real-life situations.
Abstinence-plus education, which combines abstinence promotion with information on contraception and other preventive measures, tends to have more parental support compared to abstinence-only education. This model provides a middle ground, addressing the realities of sexual activity while emphasizing abstinence as the best option.
Overall, studies indicate that parental attitudes toward sex education are influenced by factors like personal values, religious beliefs, and awareness of the potential outcomes of different educational approaches. Many parents prefer programs that provide their children with the tools to navigate sexual health safely and responsibly, which is why support for abstinence-only education tends to be lower compared to abstinence-plus and comprehensive education.