A meta-analysis examining effects of school sexuality education programs on adolescents' sexual knowledge, 1960-1997

This study analyzed and synthesized findings from selected studies conducte d from 1960 through 1997 regarding effects of school sexuality education on adolescents' sexual knowledge. This purpose was achieved using meta-analys is. Sixty-seven studies that met the selection criteria were included in th e meta-analysis. The 67 studies reported 72 outcomes regarding sexual knowl edge, which were grouped into sir independent variables related to knowledg e about sexuality. A weighted effect size method developed by Hedges and Ol kin was calculated using all studies. For all studies, 97% of weighted effe ct sizes were positive. The weighted average effect size on sexual knowledg e across all studies of 0.41 was statistically significant, indicating a si gnificant difference occurred between control and experimental groups' mast ery of objectives related to sexual knowledge. It was concluded that sexual ity education programs positively affect overall sexual knowledge.