I don't think this about delaying sex until marriage but about delaying it until additional maturity. Obviously, it's hard to be prepared for contraception if you're simultaneously not anticipating having sex. DiClemente also is conducting studies of abstinence and safe-sex programs. You've committed to something publicly, and that engenders more pressure to fulfill that commitment. Peer pressure can work for, as well as against, healthy behaviors.
Social support works that way as well.
Friends can promote good social behavior. We need to alert kids that alcohol will increase risk of sex. All rights reserved. Email This to a Friend. All rights reserved.