THE IMPACT OF THE POSTPONING SEXUAL INVOLVEMENT CURRICULUM AMONG YOUTHS IN CALIFORNIA

Postponing Sexual Involvement (PSI) is a widely implemented middle sch ool curriculum designed to delay the onset of sexual intercourse. In a n evaluation of its effectiveness among seventh and eighth graders in California, 10,600 youths from schools and community-based organizatio ns statewide were recruited and participated in randomly assigned inte rvention or control groups; the curriculum was implemented by either a dult or youth leaders. Survey data were collected before the program w as implemented, and at three months and 17 months afterward. At three months, small but statistically significant changes were found in fewe r than half of the measured attitudes, behaviors and intentions relate d to sexual activity; at 17 months, none of these significant positive effects of the PSI program had been sustained. At neither follow-up w ere there significant positive changes in sexual behavior: Youths in t reatment and control groups were equally likely to have become sexuall y active, and youths in treatment groups were not less likely than you ths in control groups to report a pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection. The evaluation suggests that PSI may be too modest in lengt h and scope to have an impact on youths' sexual behavior.