The optimal regulation of vertebrate sexual development and reproductive function involves integration of internal physiological signals, indicative of an individual's sexual status and capability for reproduction, with signals from the external environment. While these environmental cues are diverse, and oftentimes species-specific, the induction of sexual readiness is typically carried out th...

OBJECTIVE The US government spends more than $200 million annually on abstinence-promotion programs, including virginity pledges. This study compares the sexual activity of adolescent virginity pledgers with matched nonpledgers by using more robust methods than past research. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The subjects for this study were National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health respondents, a ...