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Between Taboos and Trust: Factors Associated with Parental Willingness to Support Sex Education in Schools in Aruba
Croes, Laurenne
Croes, Laurenne
Promotor / Advisor
Keyword
sex education
parental support
perceived benefits and risks
policy influence
parental support
perceived benefits and risks
policy influence
Location research
Date
2025-09-12
License
Publisher
University of Aruba
Language
en
ISSN
ISBN
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Abstract
Comprehensive sex education (CSE) is widely recognized for reducing sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe sexual behaviors, yet its adoption remains contested due to cultural, religious, and political influences. In Aruba, sex education is not systematically embedded in the national curriculum (Slotboom et al., 2023), and discussions of sexuality are often constrained by social taboos. This study examined the factors shaping parents’
willingness to support sex education in Aruba. Specifically, it explored the role of perceived benefits and risks, policy influence, and demographic characteristics such as education, religion, gender, and age. A quantitative survey was conducted with 308 parents residing in Aruba. Results indicated strong overall support for CSE, particularly in areas related to health, safety, and abuse prevention, while more mixed views emerged on sensitive topics such as abortion and sexual orientation. Correlation analysis showed that perceived benefits were positively associated with willingness, whereas perceived risks were negatively associated. Policy influence also demonstrated a weak but significant positive relationship with willingness. Parents expressed the highest trust in health professionals, national standards, and parental input, while being least favorable toward religious and political involvement. No significant differences were found
across education, gender, or age, though religious affiliation was negatively related to perceived benefits and positively related to perceived risks. Overall, the findings show that parental willingness to support sex education in Aruba depends less on demographics and more on how parents perceive its benefits, risks, and alignment with trusted policy actors.
Citation
Croes, L. (September 12, 2025). Between Taboos and Trust: Factors Associated with Parental Willingness to Support Sex Education in Schools in Aruba. [Bachelor thesis. University of Aruba.]