The 1991-92 academic year saw the fourth consecutive evaluation of Loving Well which points to successful attainment of key program goals. Data collected in a quasi-experimental research design from student surveys support the effectiveness of the curriculum in reinforcing abstinent values in young people.

Three types of data analysis consistently showed positive change in Loving Well students' beliefs and intentions about delayed sexual activity. For example, t-tests indicated that Loving Well students evidenced statistically significant positive change on 13 of 31 questionnaire items. When the subset of students identifying themselves as virgins was analyzed, there was statistically significant positive changes on 12 items.

Analyses of covariance were also undertaken, which helped to statistically equate groups which differed at the outset of the program. Analyses of covariance can answer the question, "If the control and Loving Well groups were equated on the pretest, would there be any differences between them after the curriculum?" The unequivocal answer from the 1991-92 data is that the Loving Well group evidenced more strongly abstinent values at the post-test than did the control group. Particularly strong were the results of the analyses on the subsample reporting at the pretest that they had not yet had sex. Among these teenagers, the Loving Well students' beliefs after the program were more supportive of delayed sexual activity than were the control students' beliefs on seven of the questionnaire items. For example, after equating the groups on their pretest scores and on age, Loving Well students were more likely than controls to agree with the statements that "I intend to say 'no' if I am being pressured to have sex" and "Teens who don't pressure their partner to have sex are showing respect for themselves and their partners."

Simple crosstabulations of student responses to the question "At any time in your life, have you ever had sex?" also indicate positive trends for the Loving Well students. Among the Loving Well students who identified themselves as virgins at the pretest, only 8% reported on the posttest that they had had sex; for the control group, this figure soared to 28% over the same period of time.

The findings above paint a picture of a program that successfully advances its articulated goals. Further, the program distinguishes itself by fitting easily into existing school structures and engaging both students and teachers. The program, which is very low in disruption and comparatively low in cost, has persisted in producing modest improvements in teenagers' beliefs and attitudes about delayed sexual activity. Results strongly support a recommendation for wider implementation of the curriculum.

Submitted by Amelia Kreitzer, Project Evaluator

CSTEEP, Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA 01760