Learning Log 1: Broken Promises
1.1 Module Summary
In this module, I learned that many girls who pledge abstinence in the US often break this pledge, engaging in nonmarital sex. Pledge breakers are also more prone to nonmarital pregnancies and/or HPV compared to non pledgers. "Because of cultural-lag effects, we argue that pledge breakers are less likely to practice safe sex, thereby increasing their risks of getting pregnant and contracting HPV over nonpledgers with similar exposure risk"
Paik, A., Sanchagrin, K. J., & Heimer, K. (2016). Broken Promises: Abstinence Pledging and Sexual and Reproductive Health. Journal of Marriage and Family, 78(2), 546-561. doi:10.1111/jomf.12279
1.2 Music Playlist
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Ciara: Goodies.
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Label: LaFace Records
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This song fits the criteria of abstinence because Ciara talks about how the man may be rich, slick, etc. However, she says “if you’re looking for the goodies keep on looking, cause they stay in the jar”
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Michael Sweet: Aint no Safe Way.
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Label: Vinyl
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This song fits the criteria by expressing the challenge of desires, yet the only safe way to have sex is “playing by abstinence rules.”
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TG4: Virginity.
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Label: A&M Records
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-This song fits the criteria because it talks about being a virgin. It even mentions preferring the married life before they do lose their virginity.
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Zoegirl: Dismissed.
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Label: Sparrow Records
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This song fits the criteria by saying “You'll never steal the song of my lips, I'll never bow down to give you a kiss, no. You'll never steal my innocence. You've been dismissed.”
R. (2004, June 08). Ciara (Ft. Petey Pablo) – Goodies. Retrieved June 12, 2020, from https://genius.com/Ciara-goodies-lyrics
Z. (2001). Zoegirl - Dismissed Lyrics. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://www.metrolyrics.com/dismissed-lyrics-zoegirl.html
1.3 Artistic Response
1.4 Survey
Title: It Will All Make Sense
Learning how many beings break their pledges to maintaining abstinence was kind of shocking to me. After learning that they can be at higher risks for nonmarital pregnancy and HPV, it motivated me to pass this information to other young women.
Collage Maker: BeFunky: Create Photo Collages. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://www.befunky.com/create/collage/
1.5 What Do You Think?
I think abstinence pledging is both effective and powerful. I personally made a commitment to wait until marriage to engage in sexual intercourse. Although I did not wait until I was married, I found myself waiting until I was ready. I think making this commitment and wearing a ring to represent it, helped me focus on what was necessary as I was in high school. Saying my thoughts allowed to my sister only made me more confident that remaining abstinent can have an abundance of advantages, and often, very few disadvantages.
Most of the participants agreed remaining abstinent is safe, yet we know these individuals have to be extra cautious when first having a sexual encounter. I agree abstinence pledging can be effective, yet is not necessary.
Free Graph Maker: Create Graphs Online for Free. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://spark.adobe.com/make/charts/
1.7 Top Ten List
1. Understand why the individual chose abstinence.
2. Reiterate they are not "lame" and let them know they are not alone.
3. Practice expectations and standards.
4. Ensure the individual is informed on sex, even if they are not currently participating in it.
5. Do not judge.
6. Keep an eye on the individual and their choices, but do not overstep.
7. Paint a picture of different paths for different futures.
(Unintended vs planned pregnancy)
8. Get to know the individual's family and/or friends.
9. Emphasize education and other positive choices.
10. Do your best to create a healthy relationship with the individual pledging abstinence.
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Skills for Educators. (2007). Retrieved June 12, 2020, from http://recapp.etr.org/recapp/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.EducatorSkillsDetail&PageID=5