This study explores the dominant message of abstinence young women received during the parental sex talk. The data emerged from a larger study investigating the sexual norms of college women associated with female social organizations (sororities and cooperative housing). Guided by script theory and postmodern feminism, data collection used a mixed-method qualitative design resulting in three focus groups and 23 in-depth interviews. Miller and Crabtrees (1999) template and immersion/crystallization (I/C) styles were used for analysis. Results reflect participants' understandings of the meaning of abstinence and the ways these understandings are integrated into their interpersonal sexual scripts through decisions about “drawing the line” around noncoital sexual activity. Based on the findings, implications for clinicians, parents, educators, and policymakers are discussed.
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