Sex education for emotionally disturbed adolescents

Under investigation were effects of a course in sex education on a population of emotionally disturbed adolescents who were enrolled as day patients in a school program that is part of the Adolescent Treatment Program of the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. Pre- and posttesting of knowledge and attitudes and staff observation were used to measure changes. The results of the study indicated that patients responded age appropriately and gained knowledge and an increased openness about sexuality issues. In addition, there was no regression nor dysfunction as a result of the materials presented, and therapeutic and educational processes were not disrupted by the patients' involvement in the course. It was concluded that a sex education course is clinically and educationally useful on many levels within a therapeutic setting.