Virginity pledges and initiation of sexual intercourse: The Youth Asset Survey

Virginity pledges, commitments to remain a virgin until marriage, are advocated by certain adolescent pregnancy-prevention programs. Few studies have examined virginity pledges. This study prospectively examined associations between pledges and self-reported initiation of sexual intercourse (ISI). The Youth Assets Survey is a 5-wave, 4-year longitudinal study of youth-parent pairs to investigate youth risk behaviors and assets. Youth who reported no ISI at baseline or in wave 2 (N=627; mean age=13.7 years; 53% female; 44% white, 18% black, and 28% Hispanic) were included in the analysis. ISI was assessed to determine if statistically significant differences existed among youth taking a virginity pledge and ISI during waves 3–5. Data were stratified by youth age (13–14, 15–16, and 17–19 years). Logistic regression analysis was conducted controlling for gender, race, parental education, parental income, and family structure. Sixty percent of youth (n=378) reported taking a virginity pledge. Fifty-five percent (n=344) reported ISI in waves 3-5. Youth aged 15–16 years who pledged were significantly more likely to report no ISI (odds ratio=3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–5.9) during waves 3–5 versus youth aged 15–16 who did not pledge. Youth aged 13–14 and 17–19 years who pledged demonstrated no significant differences in ISI, compared with youth who did not pledge. Virginity pledges were associated with decreased reporting of ISI for youth aged 15–16, although not for other age groups. Understanding the role of virginity pledges in adolescent pregnancy prevention will help ensure programs include best practices.