Premarital Sex in Adolescence Essay Example

(2004) notes that this number has significantly decreased with three times as many people choosing premarital sexual relationships.

In earlier times, premarital sex was discouraged due to the importance placed on honor and purity. A girl's virginity was a crucial factor in her potential partners' judgment. Nowadays, civil marriages often involve couples engaging in premarital sex as a way to enhance intimacy. While qualities like kindness, responsibility, and intellect remain important for successful marriages, sexual compatibility has become a significant consideration. Consequently, cohabitation and premarital sex have emerged as means of finding an ideal partner before marriage. However, this trend has led to increased divorce rates among young people.

Bumpass and Sweet (1995) suggest that couples who cohabit are at a higher risk of divorce compared to those who do not live together before marriage. They also argue that such couples tend to underestimate the value of their relationship and feel discontent with their way of life. Furthermore, young adults who engage in premarital sexual activity may face adverse consequences due to limited knowledge about the aftermath of intercourse. Sociologists attribute detrimental social problems like illegitimate children, abortions, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases to inadequate sex education.

Despite efforts made by parents and institutions, unintended pregnancy remains a significant issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 94% of pregnant adolescent girls did not plan on getting pregnant due to the increased likelihood of young parents raising children in poverty (Arnold, Smith, Harrison & Springer, 1999). Many psychologists believe that family relationships and level of contact among family members are the primary factors that influence teenagers' future sexual behavior (Holtzman ; Robinson, 1995). Teenagers from two-parent

families with both a mother and father are less likely to engage in premarital sex compared to those from single parent households.

While numerous studies concentrate on adolescent sexual conduct and premarital intercourse, parents establish a powerful connection with their offspring to instruct them regarding the hazards linked with non-committal sexual partnerships. The promotion of sex education is facilitated by successful communication between generations (Holtzman & Robinson, 1995). Nevertheless, even though they acknowledge its significance, half of the parents confront difficulties when broaching the delicate issue of premarital sex (Centers for Disease Control).

Parents struggle to accept that their children will inevitably go through mental and physical changes during adolescence, making discussing sexual relationships uncomfortable for many. Psychologically, parents often still see their children as young and avoid addressing the topic. According to Pistella ; Bonati (1998) and Raffaelli (1998), various obstacles make it difficult for parents to communicate with their children on this matter. These barriers include parents feeling uncomfortable discussing premarital sex and viewing their children's sexual behavior as inappropriate.

One reason why parents allow their children to engage in premarital sex is their lack of awareness about modern society's more expansive growth. Additionally, parents may not stay updated on their children's sexual relationships, leading them to focus solely on the importance of abstinence. Unfortunately, many adults tend to prioritize issues they have encountered in their own past experiences.

It is common for young individuals to omit questions pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases and abortion due to lack of experience. Parents often avoid discussing contraception as it involves practical advice. Studies indicate that low self-esteem increases the likelihood of engaging in premarital sexual relationships, while teenagers with

strong personal qualities seek alternative means of expression. Abstinent youth engage in social activities, excel academically and display good behavior at home.

Parents who struggle to juggle both work and family obligations often find it challenging to devote ample quality time to their kids. Consequently, they may compensate by being less strict with rules or offering additional money. However, inadequate guidance and affection from parents can result in increased sexual activity among youngsters, which can lead to a loss of trust between children and parents - particularly in single-parent households.

According to Smith (2004), safeguarding and nurturing a child against external dangers like infections and accidents is the responsibility of both parents. Experts suggest that adolescents from single-parent households may have a stronger desire for intimate relationships with their partners due to the constant need for emotional closeness and assurance in the absence of one parent who can fulfill their psychological needs. Smith (2004) emphasizes that it is essential for both parents to take accountability for protecting and caring for their child from external threats such as infections and accidents, while teenagers living in single-parent homes often seek intimacy with their partners more intensely than others do because they are continually searching for trust and companionship.

(Focus on the Family) Single parenting involves increased responsibilities which can hinder bonding with children. Divorced or abandoned single parents may also struggle to impart traditional values about marriage and sexuality, particularly when it comes to their teenage children. According to McLanahan's (1998) study, young women are especially inclined towards seeking committed relationships and male companionship.

According to research, young boys are more likely than girls to prioritize finding sexual partners over a

committed relationship, with 45% of them doing so. McLanahan ; Sandefur (1994) discovered that girls from single-parent families have twice the chance of giving birth to illegitimate children. In addition, Zill ; Schoenborn (1990) observed that children without parents at home often experience psychological and emotional difficulties when interacting with peers and others in their environment. Moreover, compared to their counterparts from two-parent households, girls from single-parent families are more susceptible to becoming pregnant before graduating high school.

According to research, young girls raised by a single parent are more likely to become pregnant before the age of 18 compared to those raised by both parents (Zill & Schoenborn 1990). Moreover, living with two parents reduces the risk of sexual abuse for children. On the other hand, daughters in single-parent households face at least seven times greater risk of being sexually abused by a stepfather than their biological father (Popenoe 1996). Additionally, growing up in a one-parent household increases the chances of engaging in premarital sex, smoking, alcohol and drug use. Furthermore, these children are also more prone to playing prohibited computer games and watching R-rated TV programs that can promote inappropriate behavior and negative role models.

According to psychologists and Smith (2004), it is better to have a non-biological parent present than to be in a single-parent household when raising a child. Both boys and girls look for role models unconsciously, as stated by Popenoe (1996). Focus on the Family's research shows that teenagers from single-parent homes are more likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases compared to their peers from two-parent families. This may be because young people from single-parent households engage in sexual activity more

frequently while looking for attention and affection without considering the risks involved. Consequently, casual relationships remain the primary source of sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Medicine revealed that 66% of young people under 24 years old who contract STDs in the United States come from single-parent families. The research used convenience sampling, a common method to examine individuals aged between 15-24, but its accuracy may be limited due to sample size not matching the entire population. The study suggests that insufficient sexual education and growing up in a single-parent household can result in negative social outcomes such as illegitimate children, abortions, and transmission of STDs. Girls from single-parent families are also twice as likely to have children out of wedlock when compared with those from households with both parents present.

If adolescents engage in premarital sex, they face a high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, getting divorced, or having children outside of marriage.