Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Historical and Comparative Analysis of Public Opinion

This research clarifies the public support of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in terms of acceptance, content, timing, and effectiveness as it may inform practice in the United States. The historical context of public opinion, as well as a summary of the efficacy of abstinence only education (AOE) versus CSE in the scientific literature, provides the foundation for this investigation. Several studies of public opinion, including a new survey, continue this exploration with the intent to further what is known about the public opinion about CSE. Findings of a state-wide survey study of adult views of sexuality education are compared with the results of public opinion research from various states and regions in the US. Support for CSE as well as related variables are explored. There is support for CSE among adults from around the US related to its incorporation into education, effectiveness, appropriate timing, potential content, and access to information and contraception. These findings indicate that general practices of CSE are consistent with public opinion and current research. These conclusions may be useful in garnering or expanding local support for CSE to ensure optimal education that is based on sound evidence and public opinion.