Abstract
Sexuality is a major concern of adolescents and may be particularly anxiety provoking in the emotionally disturbed. Techniques of presenting material on human reproduction and methods for reducing anxiety were studied in biology classes at Cedarhurst High School. Comparison of student responses before and after the unit revealed mastery of the material. Student reactions, documented in daily process notes, included anxiety, anger, personalization, empathy, openness, and rejection. The emphasis on factual material and an open discussion of any question provides a milieu in which anxiety is minimized so that learning can occur and feelings can be expressed.
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