The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of SDA emerging adults (N = 558) to remain sexually abstinent prior to marriage in spite of pressures to engage in such act. The researchers explored whether gender and racial differences exist among this group. The results showed a significant difference between SDA emerging males and females regarding their levels of self-efficacy (t[subscript (df=372)] = 2.207; p < 0.05), and a significant difference among SDA emerging Caucasians, African Americans and other races as it relates to their levels of self-efficacy (F[subscript (df 2, 555)] = 6.602, p < 0.05). The researchers recommend that religious institutions focus on the factors that influence the levels of self-efficacy, rather than simply emphasizing a sexually-abstinent lifestyle.