Adolescence Topic:Abstinence

I. Decision-Making II. Abstinence III. Refusal Skills IV. Consequences of Sexual Activity

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!

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

Making Sexual Decisions It is easier to make good judgments when you have a clear mind and are not feeling pressured 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

Part II Abstinence

Definition of abstinence Definition of abstinence Five steps to help you stay abstinent Five steps to help you stay abstinent

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

How can I stay abstinent? 1. Establish your own priorities. Priorities are those things that are most important to you. Priorities are those things that are most important to you.

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

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

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

How can I stay abstinent? 5. Steer clear of high pressure situations. Dark rooms Dark rooms Unsupervised settings Unsupervised settings Don’t use alcohol or other drugs that may affect judgement Don’t use alcohol or other drugs that may affect judgement 6. If you are currently sexually active, re-evaluate your decision.

Part III 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 override emotions and make a responsible decision A person’s ability to override emotions and make a responsible decision No conflicting actions No conflicting actions Assertiveness Assertiveness

Part IV Consequences of Sexual Activity

Negative Consequences of Sexual Activity Unplanned pregnancy Unplanned pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 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:  adds serious responsibility  give up child for adoption is a possibility 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  Drop out of school to support the child  Give up future plans for college, employment, etc.

Mental and Social Affects 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

When in doubt…