Promoting Abstinence "proven to work"

[Runa216]

I really don't see where this debate can go. Human psychology, adolescent behavior, and biology are all conspiring against you. See, it's human nature to want to do something you're told not to, or on the flipside not to do something you were told to. for example, say you were about to go clean your room or do dishes on your own will, the second someone says "do the dishes" you no longer want to do them because it was no longer your idea. On the flipside, someone tells you, "Don't do this stupid stunt", the first thing most will do is go out and do the stunt, just to prove people wrong. Giving someone a command is a surefire way to ensure they do the opposite, which is why "reverse psychology" became so popular.

On top of natural human nature, combo that with human biology and the period the targets are at. Most of these abstinence only campaigns are aimed at teens....the most volatile time in a person's life. they're going through or have just gone through puberty and are filled to the brim with hormones. Not only do these hormones and changes give them a natural desire to bone, but it also intensifies their desire to rebel and become their on person, further pushing rebellious, anti-authority behavior.

Telling a teenager not to have sex, and even showing them what can go wrong, will only intensify their desire to prove you wrong and do it anyway. Those who DO listen and abstain tend to either be remarkably submissive or lash out later in life.

Abstinence can be good if the person in question desired it on their own. the FREEDOM to make a decision is the most important thing to an adolescent (and even most adults), and that's why the only logical thing to do is educate them properly about the pros and cons, and how to be safe. Respect them, and they will respect you. Hell, I'm in my mid-20's and I still go out of my way to do things people told me not to just to spite them or prove them wrong, kids are even worse!