Sex education and the news: Lessons from how journalists framed virginity pledges

Citation

Mebane, F. E.; Yam, E. A.; & Rimer, B. K. (2006). Sex education and the news: Lessons from how journalists framed virginity pledges. Journal of Health Communication. vol. 11 (6) pp. 583-606

Abstract

This analysis of newspaper articles about virginity pledges published from 1987 to 2001 describes prominent news frames on sex education. The articles focused on True Love Waits, a nationwide virginity pledge campaign encouraging abstinence, and results from Add Health (TLW), a longitudinal study that included questions to evaluate the effects of virginity pledges. Our results show how news frames and sources can vary for related events. Reporting on virginity pledges was often not grounded in science, and reporting on the science of pledges did not reflect a broader context. In this case, reporting may have encouraged support for abstinence-only programs.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10810730600830005

Keyword(s)

Education

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Health Communication

Author(s)

Mebane, F. E.
Yam, E. A.
Rimer, B. K.

Year Published

2006

Volume Number

11

Issue Number

6

Pages

583-606

ISSN/ISBN

1081-0730

DOI

10.1080/10810730600830005

Reference ID

613