Adolescence Topic:Abstinence

1. Adolescence Topic:Abstinence

2. Adolescence & Abstinence Decision-Making Abstinence Refusal Skills Consequences of Sexual Activity

3. Part IDecision-Making

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

5. Making Responsible Decisions 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

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

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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

11. Part IIAbstinence

12. Abstinence Definition of abstinence Five steps to help you stay abstinent

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

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

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

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

17. 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

18. * 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.

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

20. 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

21. Decide when and under what CIRCUMSTANCESwill 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.

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

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

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

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

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

27. Part IIIRefusal Skills

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

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

30. Part IV Consequences of Sexual Activity

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

32. 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 Teens are not ready for Parenthood!

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

34. 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

35. When in doubt… Wait until marriage to experiment with sex! Practice abstinence!