A longitudinal study of sexual attitudes and behaviors derived from autobiographical papers of future health educators

Background- Data were collected from two autobiographical papers written by health majors in a college human sexuality class. The papers evaluated a personal, intentional stance regarding each student as a sexual person and the effects of the class on their attitudes and behaviors. Purpose- The purpose of this longitudinal study is to discover and follow trends in sexual attitudes and behaviors of future health educators. Significance- Examining attitudes and behaviors of future health educators may allow an understanding of how sexuality is taught and how the field of health education should address these trends. Methodology- Beginning in 2005, approximately 250 autobiographical papers were collected from a college Human Sexuality class in the Northeast. Identifying information was removed and trends in attitudes and behaviors were categorized from both the first and the second autobiographical papers. Findings- Most students received formal or informal sexuality education and the majority of had positive attitudes about sexuality. Although the vast majority gained knowledge from the class, surprisingly, few had changed their personal stance on their own sexual behaviors; they did not belief that abstinence was realistic for themselves or their future students. Conclusions- The results of this five year longitudinal study have shown promising yet surprising results. If students don't believe that abstinence is realistic, how can they effectively be taught? The study will continue for at least another five years to explore the impact of social change on attitudes and behaviors and the effects of the class.