Virginity pledges help some delay sex - US study

stuff.co.nz, 11 June 2008
Taking a pledge to remain a virgin until married may help some teens and young adults in delaying the start of sexual activity, US researchers reported. A study by the Rand Corporation research institute found that 34 per cent of youths who took such pledges as teens had had sexual intercourse within three years compared to 42 per cent of similar teens who did not make virginity pledges. The Rand team said they had taken into account differences such as religious beliefs, parenting and friendship characteristics. more...

An interesting result as other studies have said there is little difference. Whatever way you look at it virginity pledges are not the whole answer. Ongoing discussion that helps young people truly own moral convictions for themselves along with assistance in developing a real relationship with Christ in which they strengthened by His Spirit is of greater value. The former has a tendency to build a fence around the young person while the latter seeks to build resistance from within.