SEXUAL DECISION MAKING

Part I Decision-Making

Media Media Television Television Music Music Friends Friends Parents Parents Siblings Siblings Extended family Extended family Religious organizations Cultural traditions Associations School organizations (sports, clubs)

Adolescence is a time for personal development Adolescence is a time for personal development Adolescents will be exposed to new things and will face greater challenges in everyday life Adolescents will be exposed to new things and will face greater challenges in everyday life Important to keep influences in mind when making a decision Important to keep influences in mind when making a decision

Six Steps of Decision- Making Process 1. State the situation 2. List the options 3. Weigh the possible outcomes

Six Steps of Decision- Making Process 4. Consider your values 5. Make a decision and act 6. Evaluate the decision

Making Sexual Decisions Physical and emotional changes during adolescence can lead to confusion and concern Physical and emotional changes during adolescence can lead to confusion and concern Important to know the difference between feelings of sexual attraction and love Important to know the difference between feelings of sexual attraction and love Remember: You DO NOT have to act on sexual impulses!

Part II Refusal Skills

Refusal Skills Clear communication with partner Clear communication with partner Verbal and non-verbal actions send the same message Verbal and non-verbal actions send the same message Clear body language Clear body language

Refusal Skills Self-control Self-control A person ’ s ability to use responsibility to override emotions A person ’ s ability to use responsibility to override emotions No conflicting actions No conflicting actions Assertiveness Assertiveness

Part III Consequences of Sexual Activity

Negative Consequences of Sexual Activity Unplanned pregnancy Unplanned pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Loss of self-respect Loss of self-respect Negative Effects on social relationships Negative Effects on social relationships

Unplanned Pregnancy Complicates adolescent life: Complicates adolescent life: 86% of teen pregnancies are unplanned 86% of teen pregnancies are unplanned Giving birth at a young age increases health risks for both the mother and child Giving birth at a young age increases health risks for both the mother and child Limits the teens ’ future Limits the teens ’ future

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Spread from person to person through sexual contact Spread from person to person through sexual contact STDs require medical treatment STDs require medical treatment Examples: Examples: A.I.D.S. A.I.D.S. Herpes Herpes Syphilis Syphilis

Mental and Social Effects Loss of self-respect Loss of self-respect Diminished self-image Diminished self-image Tension between boyfriend/girlfriend relationships Tension between boyfriend/girlfriend relationships Sexual activities may lead to unshared feelings, emotional attachment and other dilemmas Sexual activities may lead to unshared feelings, emotional attachment and other dilemmas