Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Influence of materials on teacher adoption of abstinence-only- until-marriage programs
Kelly L Wilson1, David C Wiley
1Jowers Center-HPER Department, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA. kw25@txstate.edu
Background:
Given the growing scientific evidence against abstinence-only-until-marriage education, health educators are supporting an evidence-based approach to teaching sexuality education. However, there is still an abundance of federal support and funding streams allocated to sustain abstinence-only programs. This study assessed indicators that influence the adoption of abstinence-only-until-marriage education as well as school teachers' likelihood of adopting such programs.
Methods:
Predictors included relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and observability and were assessed with a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Additional questions were asked related to demographics, professional history, and abstinence-only-until-marriage education policies and funding. The relationships were tested with multiple regression analysis.
Results:
A trend became apparent in which most teachers would allow a state- or federally funded program to be offered and presented in their schools, but most did not know if their school received funding to support abstinence-only-until-marriage education. Attendance at religious services, complexity of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, and abstinence-only-until-marriage curriculum emerged as important predictors of the likelihood to adopt abstinence education.
Conclusions:
Trends in political agendas, policy development, and state and federal funding have supported abstinence-only-until-marriage education programs. In order to ensure an understanding about the inclusion of sexuality education in the classroom, insight into the teacher's role in the integration of sexuality education in the classroom is important.
Related Concept Videos
Conformity
Milgram's Obedience to Authority
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Surveys
Close Relationships and Culture
Relationship Formation