So much of the pro-abstinence-only-until-marriage argument hinges on intercourse being bad for teenagers emotionally (you can go visit www.abstinence.net to learn more about abstinence-only education). But a recent study from the University of Minnesota says that, except for the very youngest girls (under 15) and boys (under 14) whose relationships fall apart immediately after sex, teenagers’ emotional stability is just fine after their first experience with intercourse. And this was a very serious study – the researchers followed 8,563 students, 7th – 12th graders, for 18 months and then compared the emotional stability of the students who lost their virginity in that time to those who did not. The two groups of students who were 15 and older (those who had sexual intercourse for the first time and those who did not have sexual intercourse) showed no differences in their mental health. This a great piece of information to support comprehensive sex education.
Thanks to Cory Silverberg for publishing information about the UMN press release.
