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College

College of Arts and Sciences

Major

Psychology

Faculty Mentor

Michael Spinetta, PhD

Faculty Editor

Michael Spinetta, PhD

Student Editor

Tori Almond

Abstract

Because rates of sexual activity increase significantly during adolescence, young people are at an especially high risk for negative sexual health outcomes, including sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission, early pregnancy, and sexual violence. Current research reveals the effectiveness of comprehensive sex education (CSE) programs in combatting these outcomes, with students who participate in CSE reporting having better knowledge and feeling more prepared to face important decisions regarding their health. Research also shows that knowledge of sexual health resources impacts self-efficacy and benefits overall sexual health, with sexual resourcefulness showing direct ties to learned resourcefulness and sexual self-efficacy. The present study looks at how an individual’s sex education experience (for example, topics discussed, depth of discussion) may impact their ability to communicate their sexual health needs and their willingness to access resources. In addition, this study aims to understand the link between sex education experience and relationship satisfaction later in life, a phenomenon which very few existing studies address. Our findings showed significant positive relationships and differences in communication comfort, self-efficacy, and relationship satisfaction such that people who perceived their sex education experiences to be more inclusive also demonstrated higher scores in the aforementioned areas of focus.

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