Gender Differences in the Effects of Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Abstract

Objectives: The model of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is intended to support young people in acquiring information and developing skills and attitudes that should improve their reproductive and sexual health. The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the implemented model through the progress made by participating students. It was expected that they should improve both their knowledge and attitudes regarding sexuality.

Method: In study 1, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the program was conducted by comparing pre-test and post-test measures on assessment test and attitude scale for assessing acceptance of values underlying CSE. Participants were 154 adolescents (113 female and 41 male) who attended CSE workshops. Study 2 was based on thematic analysis of qualitative data from 24 participants who provided insights in their perceptions of the CSE training.

Results: Findings show that progress has been made regarding all components that define the program. The two-way ANOVA analysis of post-test results for the acquired knowledge revealed an interaction between participants’ gender and regularity of attendance (Fsex*att(1,152)=6.72, p < 0.05) accompanied by the main effect of their sex (Fsex (1,152)=9.10, p < 0.01). The exploration of qualitative data suggested that, while boys see the information on protecting sexual and reproductive health useful, the other themes (gender equality and sexual diversity) make them uneasy.

Conclusions: It is concluded that the model needs to be improved in terms of making it more attractive for boys, who experience difficulties in accepting the discourse that is intended to emancipate them from rigid adherence to heteronormativity.