Does sexuality education effect teacher candidates' attitudes about sexuality and homosexuality?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate teacher candidates attitudes related with sexuality and homosexuality; and the relation between these attitudes and attending the course, gender and cultural background. The sample consist of teacher candidates that have (n=302 candidate) and have not (n=176 candidate) attended sexuality education course during 2006- 2007 academic year at an education faculty in Izmir- a city at the western region of Turkey. Sexual Attitude Scale (SAS) and Homosexuality Attitude Scale (HAS) are used to gather the data at pre and post- test conditions. Results demonstrate that sexuality education has a positive affect on participants attitudes related with sexuality but not on homosexuality. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved