The Modules
| Module 1: Getting To Know
You and Making Positive Choices |
| Module 1 provides a clear definition of sexual abstinence
as choosing to not have sexual activity until marriage, and it teaches that
abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard.
Furthermore, it introduces four key concepts of the program: 1) making Positive
Choices in order to; 2) reach a "North Star", personal goals and
dreams; 3) the importance of creating boundaries called "Unshakeable
Unbreakables," and 4) the importance of finding a "Dream Team,"
two or three others who will support the participant's efforts to maintain
his or her "Unshakeable Unbreakables" and achieve his or her goals
and dreams. In Module 1, participants will distinguish the difference between
friendship and romantic relationships and discuss the negative consequences
of sexual activity. Participants will also learn the concept of renewed
abstinence and how to express affection without engaging in sexual activity.
The module will conclude by identifying the benefits of practicing abstinence
until marriage and how to make it work for them, in an effort to achieve
goals and dreams. |
| Module 2: STDs and Pregnancy:
How to Avoid the Risk |
| Module 2 focuses on increasing participants' knowledge
regarding the harmful consequences of premarital sexual activity, sexually
transmitted diseases and non-marital pregnancy. Students are informed of
the types and symptoms of STDs as well as the best way to ensure protection
- abstinence until marriage. Students also learn that STDs can be asymptomatic
and the importance of testing. Module 2 highlights how everyone who is sexually
active is susceptible to infection. It also discusses another consequence
of premarital sex: pregnancy. It teaches that non-marital pregnancy is likely
to have harmful consequences, including making it more difficult for teenagers
to achieve their dreams and goals. The module concludes by reinforcing STD
and pregnancy facts, thereby strengthening participants' desire to practice
abstinence until marriage. |
| Module 3: Abstinence Until
Marriage: Why Wait |
| In Module 3, participants learn how their attitudes
and beliefs about abstinence can influence their sexual behavior. Participants
discuss how they can know for sure that waiting until marriage is best.
The module explains the positive consequences of having sex within the boundaries
of marriage. Participants explore barriers to practicing abstinence until
marriage and ways to overcome such barriers. One of the barriers the module
specifically addresses is the sexual messages in the media. Emphasis is
given to the need for identifying other activities that can be done with
friends. Modules 3 also promotes increased confidence and skills in refusing
sexual advances. In this module, participants learn a three-step strategy
for refusing sexual advances and other risky behaviors. Participants practice
the three-step strategy by developing "come-backs" in response
to pressuring statements. |
| Module 4: Making a Commitment to Abstinence |
Module 4 provides an in-depth discussion on one of the most difficult but important parts of practicing abstinence until marriage: making a commitment and standing by it. It provides an opportunity for adolescents to practice their refusal skills and enhance their ability to avoid situations that place them at risk for STD's and unplanned pregnancy. It discusses the different strategies for negotiating abstinence and enhances participants' confidence in their ability to say "No" when involved in risky situations, using unscripted role-plays. The module reinforces all the information and skills that were learned in previous sessions through the use of an interactive review game. Lastly, the module allows participants to bring closure to the group process and build a commitment to abstinence until marriage through the use of a "Letter Regarding Positive Choices". |
