What Is Comprehensive Sexuality Education Really All About? Perceptions of Students Enrolled in an Undergraduate Human Sexuality Course

The purpose of this study was to use qualitative evaluation techniques to explore the perceptions of students enrolled in undergraduate human sexuality classes regarding their expectations for the course as well as outcomes. One hundred forty-eight students were surveyed at the beginning and again at the end of the semester-long course. While pregnancy and STI prevention were considered important components of their courses, other outcomes associated with positive, healthy sexuality were given greater emphasis. Results suggest that while primary and secondary level sexuality education have been increasingly focused on abstinence-only education with a focus on pregnancy and STI reduction, this may not represent what is most important from students\u27 perspectives. It also suggests that college may be one place where more comprehensive sexuality education can still be taught