Postponing Sexual Involvement

Postponing Sexual Involvement (PSI) is a national curriculum that was developed by Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. PSI helps young people learn how to resist becoming sexually involved before they are ready. The curriculum is designed for youth ages 10-12. The program involves them in thinking about, discussing, and practicing use of information and skills that will help them understand and manage their emerging sexual feelings. Also, it will help them resist social and peer pressure to become sexually active.

Breaking the Cycle’s PSI program is taught to 5th grade students in the Hartford Public School system by adult health educators and teen role models, who are called peer educators. Students from Bulkeley, Hartford, the Sports/Science Academy and Weaver High Schools undertake intensive training to serve as PSI peer educators. The peer educator training is provided through partnerships with Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. 

The 5-week curriculum presents information on: 

  • The general nature of puberty

  • How to handle natural and normal curiosity about sex 

  • Pressures toward greater sexual expression that occur as the preteen moves
    into the teen years 

  • The general nature of relationships 

  • The need for setting limits on physical affection in relationships

  • How to say "no" to social and peer pressures to experiment with sexual
    behavior. 

The curriculum helps young people understand that curiosity is normal. Because young people need to learn how to resist pressure--particularly when they feel curious--PSI teaches specific assertiveness techniques. Practicing these skills helps preteens feel confident that they can say "no" and have the "no" accepted.

The Postponing Sexual Involvement Program provides Hartford’s 5th graders with valuable information about sexuality and peer pressure before they reach adolescence. In addition, PSI gives high school youth the opportunity to participate in community service activities that enrich their lives and reinforce goals for a more positive future -- one that does not involve too-early parenthood. For more information about PSI, contact Breaking the Cycle at (860) 236-4872.

Download a copy of the PSI brochure.

The Postponing Sexual Involvement held its annual Recognition Award Ceremony on June 9, 2008 at the Pond House in Elizabeth Park.  Click here to view photos from the event.  Click here and scroll down to June 9, 2008 PSI Recognition Award to view video from the event on the Hartford Public Schools website. 

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