Suggestions for determining if an abstinence/ chastity program accomplished its goals:
Rather than asking youth if they are sexually active, asking about whether they have maintained sexual abstinence may be a positive way of framing this question, to emphasize abstinent behavior.
The following questions could be asked before and after the program to see if there is a change in attitude about the value of chastity/ abstinence. Waiting a year or so and asking the same questions can give information about whether the program had a long-lasting effect.
How important do you think it is to wait until marriage for sexual behavior?
1) very important
2) somewhat important
3) a little important
4) not very important
Do you think you will be able to wait until marriage for sex, even if you are pressured?
1) yes
2) no
3) not sure
How do you think most of your friends feel about the importance of waiting until marriage for sexual behavior?
1) very important
2) somewhat important
3) a little important
4) not very important
How would your parents feel about you becoming sexually active before marriage?
1) would not approve
2) would approve
3) don’t know
How do you feel about communicating with your parent/s about sensitive topics like sex?
1) we communicate well
2) we have some difficulty communicating at times
3) we seldom communicate
What sort of person would you prefer to marry in the future?
1) one who is willing to wait until marriage
2) one who is sexually experienced
3) does not matter
Some other ways of determining long-term effects of a program might be noting that the rate of unwed pregnancy is going down or that more young people in the group are marrying and staying together, though these outcomes may be difficult to determine, and may not relate directly to the abstinence/ chastity program.
If parents participate in a program, they can be asked whether the program helped them to feel more confident in communicating with youth, especially about sensitive topics like sex, whether they have expressed expectations or preferences that youth remain abstinent, and if they discussed the positive reasons for waiting.
Chastity as Preparation for Life
Chastity provides positive opportunities to grow and become whole, to be able to offer one's total self to another in marriage - to live in harmony with self, those in our lives, and with God, who gifted us with our sexuality for His glory.
True Abstinence Curricula (Click on image below to view a DVD.)
“In authentic abstinence curricula, teen abstinence is presented not merely as a solution to the immediate problems of pregnancy, STD’s and emotional harm, but as a pathway leading to respect for one’s self and others, to healthier relationships, and eventually, to love and happiness in marriage.”
About Me
Accepting the Gift of Life
God's generous love allows us to share in creating souls who will give Him glory throughout eternity. In the context of a loving marriage the family flourishes and grows.