1 Adolescence Topic:Abstinence

I. DECISION-MAKING II. ABSTINENCE III. REFUSAL SKILLS IV. CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY 2

Part I Decision-Making 3

Media Television Music Friends Parents Siblings Extended family Religious organizations Cultural traditions Associations School organizations (sports, clubs) 4

ADOLESCENCE IS A TIME FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 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 5

Six Steps of Decision-Making Process 1. State the situation 2. List the options 3. Weigh the possible outcomes 6

Six Steps of Decision-Making Process 4. Consider your values 5. Make a decision and act 6. Evaluate the decision 7

Making Sexual Decisions Physical and emotional changes during adolescence can lead to confusion and concern Important to know the difference between feelings of sexual attraction and love Remember: You DO NOT have to act on sexual impulses! 8

Making Sexual Decisions Many teens act on sexual impulses out of curiosity, pressure from others, or a desire to be an adult Decision to engage in sexual activity is the biggest and most important decision a teen can make due to life- long implications 9

Making Sexual Decisions It is easier to make good judgments when you have a clear mind and are not feeling pressured Remember: It is much easier to make decisions about your limits BEFORE you get involved in sexual activity “You have to stand for what you believe in. And sometimes you have to stand alone.” ~ Queen Latifah 10

Part II Abstinence 11

DEFINITION OF ABSTINENCE FIVE STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY ABSTINENT 12

Definition of Abstinence The conscious decision to avoid harmful behaviors, including sexual activity before marriage and the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. 13

Abstinence is a conscious DECISION to avoid certain activities or behaviors. ONLY YOU can make the choice to stay abstinent!! 14

Which activities do people abstain? SWEETS SEX ALCOHOL DRUGS MEAT VOTING CURSING 15

Why do people abstain? 1. make a point 2. Protect their health 3. Avoid negative consequences 4. religious values 5. not interested 16

Many people have DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS of sexual abstinence. To some it may mean: 1. No SEXUAL contact 2. No penetration 3. Only “lower risk behaviors” 4. Abstinence: not having any type of intercourse: vaginal, anal, and/or oral 17

* All contraceptive methods have failure rates, usually due to HUMAN error. * Abstinence is 100% effective if used correctly every time. * Abstinence does not have to mean lack of love, intimacy, romance, sensuality, or eroticism. * Vows of abstinence can also break if not used consistently. 18

Factors that may cause abstinence to fail ALCOHOL or drug use Peer PRESSURE Threats Force 19

Deciding to use abstinence is similar to deciding to use any other contraceptive or safe sex method. How COMFORTABLE would you feel using it? What are possible side EFFECTS? How would your PARTNER (or future partner) feel about using it? Will you use it every time you need it 20

Decide when and under what CIRCUMSTANCES will you cease to abstain. When you are married? When you are engaged? When you are in long-term relationship? When you decide abstinence is no longer the right choice for you, you need to choose another method to PROTECT yourself. 21

How can I stay abstinent? 1. Establish your own priorities. Priorities are those things that are first in importance. 22

How can I stay abstinent? 2. Set limits on how you are willing to express affection. 23

How can I stay abstinent? 3. Share your feelings with your boyfriend or girlfriend. 24

How can I stay abstinent? 4. Discuss your feelings with a trusted adult. 25

How can I stay abstinent? 5. Steer clear of high pressure situations. 6. If you are currently sexually active, re-evaluate your decision. 26

Part III Refusal Skills 27

Refusal Skills Clear communication with partner Verbal and non-verbal actions send the same message Clear body language 28

Refusal Skills Self-control  A person’s ability to use responsibility to override emotions No conflicting actions Assertiveness 29

Part IV Consequences of Sexual Activity 30

Negative Consequences of Sexual Activity Unplanned pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Loss of self-respect Negative Effects on social relationships 31

Unplanned Pregnancy Complicates adolescent life: 86% of teen pregnancies are unplanned Giving birth at a young age increases health risks for both the mother and child Limits the teens’ future 32

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Spread from person to person through sexual contact STDs require medical treatment Examples:  A.I.D.S.  Herpes  Syphilis 33

Mental and Social Affects Loss of self-respect Diminished self-image Tension between boyfriend/girlfriend relationships Sexual activities may lead to unshared feelings, emotional attachment and other dilemmas 34

When in doubt… 35