Key research themes
1. How do comprehensive sex education programs address the holistic development of adolescents encompassing biological, psychological, and social dimensions?
This research focuses on evaluating how comprehensive sex education (CSE) programs go beyond traditional disease and pregnancy prevention to support adolescents' overall development. It examines physical outcomes like delayed sexual initiation and reduced STIs; psychological outcomes including mental health, self-esteem, and sexual assertiveness; and social outcomes such as healthy relationships, violence prevention, and LGBTQIA+ inclusiveness. Understanding this holistic approach is vital to designing CSE that fosters well-rounded adolescent well-being and aligns with international health and human rights frameworks.
2. What are the implementation challenges and contextual factors affecting comprehensive sexuality education in diverse educational settings?
This research explores real-world barriers to implementing CSE curricula at the school level, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and specific cultural contexts. It analyzes teacher preparedness, resource availability, community and parental attitudes, and political and religious influences that shape CSE delivery and content. Addressing these factors is critical for translating policy frameworks into effective classroom practice and ensuring that CSE meets adolescents’ diverse needs.
3. How do socio-cultural, political, and ethical discourses shape the content, inclusivity, and perceptions of comprehensive sex education worldwide?
This theme interrogates the political debates, cultural values, religious doctrines, and ethical considerations influencing CSE design and acceptance. It explores divergent understandings of what constitutes 'comprehensive,' tensions between universal human rights and local norms, and how marginalized groups (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals, differently-abled youth) are represented or excluded. Assessing these dynamics is essential for developing equitable and context-sensitive sex education that respects diversity while promoting sexual health and rights.