1. Mrs. Swope Family and Consumer Sciences Columbian High School
Abstinence
Mrs. Swope
Family and Consumer Sciences
Columbian High School

2. What does abstinence mean?
Choosing to not to do something.
People sometimes abstain from chocolate, cigarettes, meat, alcohol,sex and other things.
It may be a temporary or long-term decision
You can abstain at any point in your life, even if you didn’t in the past

3. Respond to the following in writing
1. List at least 3 reasons a person may abstain from having sex.
2. List at least 3 reasons why abstaining from sex could be challenging for a person.

4. Written response cont.
3. List 4 factors that are necessary to make abstinence work.
4. List 4 factors that could make abstinence fail.
5. If abstinence fails, what information should the person know about?

5. Reasons for choosing abstinence
Personal values, religious beliefs
Protect their health, avoid STD’s, HIV, and pregnancy
Not in love, not ready
Don’t want to jeopardize future goals
Haven’t found the right person
Want to build a deeper relationship first

6. Why choosing abstinence could be a challenge
Peer pressure, teased, made fun of
Fear of rejection
Hoping it will prove they aren’t gay/lesbian, experimenting in sexuality
Feeling curious about sex
Wanting the sexual pleasure
Believing they “owe” the other person

7. What it takes to make abstinence work:
Assertiveness, healthy self-esteem
Self-control, partner cooperation
Being able to openly communicate
Positive view of the future, having goals
Avoid “tempting” situations
Avoid situations that could “cloud” your decision

8. What could make abstinences fail?
Low self-esteem
Giving in to peer pressure
Not having clear values, goals
Not considering the consequences
Using alcohol/drugs
Being forced or threatened

9. Should abstinence fail, valuable information
Information about birth control
Pregnancy tests
Symptoms of pregnancy
Emergency contraceptive pill
STD’s / STI’s

10. Abstinence puts you in charge of your life
Focus on what’s important to you, achieve goals
Stay healthy, avoid pregnancy
Build healthy relationships based on mutual caring, trust, and respect

11. You have the right to choose abstinence
Set limits in advance
Don’t fall for any “lines”
Beware of risky situations
Go out with people your own age