Perception of Female Youths Regarding the Effects of Sexual Behavior and Factors that Influence these Behaviors During Dating

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects and factors that influence sexual behaviors among female youths during dating. In order for the researcher to obtain the desired purpose she identified first what female youths think or consider as sexual behavior, what they report they do on dates, the reasons and effects upon engaging in sexual behavior during dating, as well as the factors that influenced such behaviors, and what they think others are doing during dating, the reasons and effects it generated and the factors that influenced such behaviors as well as their suggestions regarding sexual behaviors during dating. Findings of the study will raise important implications regarding the role of social institutions in regulating youth’s sexual behavior. Results will also contribute to the awareness of the existing pre marital sexual conditions among youths. Likewise, this study will serve as an eye-opener to parents so as to provide the necessary advise to youths and instill in them the importance of being sexually responsible individuals. It is equally relevant to female youths, as well, in order to inform and orient them regarding the effects in engaging in sexual behavior so as to attain sexual maturity and responsibility for the welfare of the whole society. The researcher used the descriptive method of research. Data used in this study came from unstructured interview and survey questionnaires using both open ended and closed-ended questions. The purposive sampling technique was employed in the determination of the respondents utilized in the study. Most respondents of the conducted study usually went out with their boyfriends during dates and holding hands was the usual sexual behavior being practiced. The common effect for female youths who engage in holding hands, goodnight kisses, several hugs and kisses and prolonged kissing and hugging were assurance and pleasure. For some respondents who engaged in light petting, heavy petting and sexual intercourse, guilt was felt. Sexual intercourse was what they considered as sexual behavior. The main reason why female youths engage in sexual intercourse was curiosity and pregnancy was the most likely outcome. Religiosity was the highest influencing factor concerning sexual behavior. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that sex education should be included in school curriculum for youths to gain knowledge about their sexuality and make them aware of the sexual implications of engaging in early premarital sexual practices, especially among female youths since findings showed that they are more likely to be affected physically and psychologically than males. For parents, to reinforce long-lost values and norms and establish a healthy family atmosphere in order for their child red to grow into productive individuals with intact value systems. And for youths, to choose wisely whom they go out and interact with and stick to those groups that do not jeopardize their own moral standards and sex codes. And lastly, for youth-oriented institutions to be established and implemented to conduct seminars and sponsor projects and activities that can help instill healthy value systems and sex codes among youths of today in order to promote growth toward maturity and emotional fulfillment.