Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Inc.

Ledesma Street, Iloilo City

PAASCU ACCREDITED
LEVEL II
S.Y. 2018-2019

PERSPECTIVES OF THE YOUTH TOWARDS PREMARITAL SEX

A Research Study Presented to the Faculty and Staff of

Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Inc.

Ledesma Street, Iloilo City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In Practical Research 1

Submitted by:

John Finlay B. Gallinero

Dana Marie D. Gregorio

Herly Jane T. Napatang

Kaizel P. Obenieta

Thea Alessandra V. Ortega

Andrie Marie B. Ramos

Joseph Nico G. Savillo

Ernest Jay C. Teologo

March 2019

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APPROVAL SHEET

The research attached here entitled “PERSPECTIVES OF THE YOUTH

TOWARDS PREMARITAL SEX”, prepared and submitted by John Finlay B. Gallinero,

Dana Marie D. Gregorio, Herly Jane T. Napatang, Kaizel P. Obenieta, Thea Alessandra V.

Ortega, Andrie Marie B. Ramos, Joseph Nico G. Savillo, Ernest Jay C. Teologo in partial

fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research 1 is hereby accepted.

______________________ MRS. MARY HAIL M. GOBUYAN

Date Research Teacher

______________________ MRS. MA. CLEOFE G. FARROL

Date Teacher In-Charge

______________________ MRS. BELINDA G. GALVE

Date Science Area Coordinator

______________________ MRS. EVANGELINE E. ONGLATCO

Date Assistant Principal

______________________ MRS. EDNA G. GINER, MA Ed

Date Principal

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our research paper would have never become possible without the aid and guidance

of many individuals. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who in one way

or another contributed in the completion of this research paper.

First and foremost, the researchers would like to thank their research teacher, Mrs.

Mary Hail M. Gobuyan, for supporting and guiding in making this research study a reality.

Without her uplifting presence and advice, this study wouldn’t be possible.

Second, the researchers would extend their utmost gratitude to the families of the

researchers for showing their support through financial means and for accommodating the

researchers in their houses when there is a need for the study to be conducted elsewhere.

We are also deeply grateful to our informants and respondents. Their names cannot

be disclosed, but we want to acknowledge and appreciate their help and during our research.

Their information has helped us in the completion of this research paper.

Last but not the least; the researchers would like to thank the Lord for never failing

to give strength to conduct the study successfully. Without him this study would never have

come to a successful completion.

To God be the Glory!

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ABSTRACT

Premarital sex is a pervasive issue most common in teenagers that is widely debated.
The purpose of this study is to know the perception of a participant who has engaged in
premarital sex. The focus of the study is to distinguish the variation of perspective the youth
have on premarital sex, as well as its causes and effects to self and society. The researchers
used structured interview to gather information and purposive sampling to select the
respondents who willingly gave their consent to participate in the study. The information
that was gathered by the researchers were then discussed and analyzed. The result of the
research study showed that the respondents have given perspectives and opinions that
varies from each other. The researchers discussed the negative and positive stand points in
relation to premarital sex and concluded that the youth needs to be educated and be made
more aware about premarital sex.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page ……………………………………………………………………… i
Approval Sheet ………………………………………………………………... ii
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………….. iii
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………... iv
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………… v
Chapter I: Introduction ………………………………………………………… 1
Background of the Study ………………………………………………. 1-3
Statement of the Problem ……………………………………………… 3-4
Synthesis ………………………………………………………………. 4-6
Theoretical Framework ………………………………………………... 6-7
Significance of the Study ……………………………………………… 8-9
Scope and Limitation of the Study …………………………………….. 9
Definition of Terms ……………………………………………………. 9-10
Legal Bases ……………………………………………………………. 11-12
Review of Related Literature ……………………………...................... 12-16
Review of Related Studies …………………………………………….. 16-18
Chapter II: Research Design and Methodology
Research Design ……………………………………………………….. 19
Subject of the Study ………………………………………………….… 19
Materials and Instrumentations ………………………………………... 19-20
Data Gathering Procedures …………………………………………….. 20
Chapter III: Results and Discussions
Results ………………………………………………………………….. 21-22
Discussions ……………………………………………………………... 23
Chapter IV: Summary, Conclusion, Recommendation
Summary ………………………………………………………………... 24-25
Conclusions ……………………………………………………………... 25
Recommendations ………………………………………………………. 26

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Premarital sex is the engagement to sexual intercourse that is committed by two

persons before entering the commitment of the sacrament of holy marriage. In today’s time

and generation, this specific societal issue has been accepted by numerous individuals

despite the consequences this societal issue poses to self and society. In this study, the

researchers seek for answers and justification as to what factors influence an individual to

engagement with premarital sex. The question that arises from this social issue is that why

is it happening and why are desires of lust among unmarried persons rapidly growing and

frequently acted upon, resulting to premarital sex. Different answers can arise from these

questions however, the risk of issues and its positive points are still in question.

Background of the Study

Premarital sex is ubiquitously known as a dyad of individuals engaging in a matter

of sexual intercourse before entering the bounding commitment of holy marriage.

Historically, engagement to sex before marriage was considered an issue with regards to

morality and had therefore been considered taboo in many cultures and was considered a

sin against and against God by a number of religions. However, as of the year 1960’s, it

has become more widely accepted, most especially in Western countries initially. The rise

in premarital sex in Africa has resulted from a sexual revolution that came with western

culture (Scott, 2005). A few studies on global morality found that premarital sex was

considered particularly unacceptable in predominantly Muslim nations such as Indonesia,

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Jordan, Pakistan and Egypt, each having over 90% disapproval while many people within

western European nations were the most accepting with Spain, Germany and France having

less than 10% disapproval (Rafael, 2015). This is a demonstration of the fact that sex before

marriage is a common term that most people are aware of, either they have heard the word

or they have participated in premarital sex.

Available survey data for various developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin

America also report increased prevalence of premarital sex. The rise in premarital sex in

China is particularly noteworthy. Whereas a generation ago, 15 percent of Chinese reported

having premarital sex, recent surveys find that about 70 percent admit to having sex before

marriage. Even in countries where premarital sex is still a taboo, such

as India, Indonesia and Iran, studies report its increasing prevalence.

A major factor in the worldwide increase in premarital sex is the improvement in

contraceptive technology that occurred over the past half-century. The use of modern

contraception, such as the oral pill and the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), has

virtually eliminated the fear of an unintended pregnancy. According to recent surveys,

more than 90 percent of women aged 15 to 24 years know about at least one contraceptive

and most are familiar with more than one. In addition, the percent of adolescent

women using contraceptives has increased markedly in many countries over the past

several decades (Chamie, 2018).

Premarital sex is a sensitive but attractive topic to teenagers, which requires correct

guidance from their parents or schools. It is reported by Wang (2012), that an increasing

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number of teenagers have been engaging in premarital sex, which is regarded as an

improper behavior by the older generations. Premarital sex among adolescents and

teenagers in mainly caused by curiosity, the media, and the lack of sex education.

According to Joshi and Chauhan (2011), “Young people reported various reasons for

engaging in sexual activities such as sexual arousal, want of experience, curiosity, fun, and

love.” Rani, Figueroa, and Ainsle (2003) also reports that it is curiosity or gaining

experience that motivate teenagers to have premarital sex.

In today’s society, more so that of the youth, premarital sex is a widespread social

issue that is the focus of discourses between those in agreement and those in opposition.

In this research the researchers seek for answers and factors that influence an

individual in taking part in the act of premarital sex along with the various questions that

stems too its reasons, causes, effects, precautions, and criticizations.

Statement of the Problem

This study was undertaken to fully understand the perceptions of the selected

respondents that has engaged in premarital sex. Specifically, this study sought to answer

the following questions:

1. What are the youth’s perceptions upon hearing “premarital sex”?

2. What are the possible reasons as to why individuals engage to sex before

marriage?

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3. What are the possible consequences to be faced upon the engagement to

premarital sex?

4. What are the moral implications with regards to premarital sex?

5. Should the consideration of premarital sex be normalized within the society

today?

Synthesis

Our research is all about perceptions of those who have engaged in premarital sex.

In today’s generation, the youth are perfectly aware of premarital sex as this kind of

situation happens because of some factors teenagers are aware of. Consequently, the only

prevention from the occurrence of premarital sex is behavioral control and adequate

education of the societal issue.

The occurrence of premarital sex behaviors for adolescents has become

increasingly more accepted nowadays given the openness of today’s generation. There are

a lot of talk shows and discussions about premarital sex because adults are worried that

there is a growth on teenage pregnancy, being a teenage parent and the issue of immorality

of teenagers.

First, let us discuss about premarital sex itself. Premarital is sex is a sexual activity

practiced by people who are unmarried. A serious matter that seeks for deeper

observation. As a teenager in a modern generation we understand the behavior and

actions of our peers about this topic. Some teens are in favor of this practice as rituals

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are overrated and following the rules of marriage as a sacrament had been considered as

old fashion.

From the perception of teenagers in the related literature we’ve gathered most of

them are in favor due to modern times and rapid environmental change but some of them

are still worried and concerned. They were cautious about risk and consequences it may

hold, like teenage pregnancy or worse, sexually transmitted disease or STDs. There are

factors on where their belief is coming from, whether it is for positive outcomes or negative

outlook. Most of them reasoned peer pressure or influence of their group of friends, some

are cause of emotional stability and the rest are simple teens who wanted to have an

experience, as a simpler term for popularity. In addition to that, premarital sex exposes

young people to teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions and STDs. New gathered data states

that between ages 15 and 24 are usually involved in premarital sex in cities in sub-Saharan

Africa; specifically, in Ghana. The researchers had gathered information about premarital

sex in foreign and local lands like; Hungary, USA, Thailand and our very own country;

Philippines. Teenage pregnancies had been observed over these countries and has become

one of their major problems. The growing number of teenage mothers in these countries

had been disturbing and quite a number.

One important role is shaping of beliefs and perceptions of an adolescent about

premarital sex. Values about sex is becoming an instrument to their sexual development.

However, despite of the liberalizations in some countries, there are still different premarital

sexual patterns as people starting to open up their minds about this topic has also become

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one of the factors of couples cohabitating. In this research, we had observed the different

ideas, perceptions and outlooks of teenagers about premarital sex, and how this sexual

activity affects their perception about life.

Theoretical Framework

Theory of Reasoned Action: Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen (1967)

The theory of reasoned action serves to understand an individual’s voluntary

behavior. Theory of Reasoned Action is used to explain how individuals will behave based

on their pre-existing attitudes and behavioral intentions. An individual’s decision to engage

in a particular behavior is based on the outcomes the individual expects will come as a

result of performing the behavior.

FACTORS:

Ajzen and Fishbein suggest two factors that determine intention: attitudes and

subjective norms. An attitude is “a person’s opinion about whether a behavior is positive

or negative”, while a subjective norm is “a perceived social pressure arising from one’s

perception”.

Purpose of Theory:

• To predict and understand motivational influences on behavior that is notunder the

individual’s volitional control.

• To identify how and where to target strategies for changing behavior.

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• To explain virtually any human behavior such as why a person buys a new car,

votes against a certain candidate, is absent from work or engages in premarital

sexual intercourse.

TRA works most successfully when applied to behaviors that are under a person’s

volitional control. If behaviors are not fully under volitional control, even though a person

may be highly motivated by her own attitudes and subjective norm, she may not actually

perform the behavior due to intervening environmental conditions

The major difference between TRA and TPB is the addition of a third determinant of

behavioral intention, perceived behavioral control. Perceived Behavioral control is

determined by two factors; Control Beliefs and Perceived Power. Perceived behavioral

control indicates that a person’s motivation is influenced by how difficult the behaviors are

perceived to be, as well as the perception of how successfully the individual can, or

cannot, perform the activity. If a person holds strong control beliefs about the existence of

factors that will facilitate a behavior, then the individual will have high perceived control

over a behavior. Conversely, the person will have a low perception of control if she holds

strong control beliefs that impede the behavior. This perception can reflect

past experiences, anticipation of upcoming circumstances, and the attitudes of the

influential norms that surround the individual (Mackenzie& Jurs, 1993).

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Significance of the Study

Students. The conclusion reached and the results gotten from this research will

provide additional knowledge to past findings on researches already done on premarital

sex. It will provide the required data and resources for future researchers in the area of

premarital sexuality among students and other young people.

Youth. It will be beneficial to the numerous members of the youth on the

consequences of indulging in sex before marriage. This will enable them to work towards

averting such negative impact on the careers and personality. It will equally afford the

youth with relevant information on the causes of premarital sex; this will help them to

strategize on how to avoid the causes.

Schools. It will provide veritable tool in the form of knowledge to schools on

factors that bring about premarital sex among students in the institution. This will enable

the schools to fine-tune relevant policies for lasting arrest of the immoral act among

students.

Parents. It will be an ‘eye opener’ to parents and guardians on the how students

perceive premarital sexuality. This will enable them to find ways to re-orientate their

children or wards on the core values of the society.

Community. It will also be of importance to the religion community, media houses,

and other relevant value and orientation outfits as it will tend to question their

responsibilities on imparting core values of the society on the young ones.

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Future Researchers. This research that the students of Colegio de las Hijas de

Jesus are doing could provide information and knowledge to other researchers that will

possibly undertake a similar study in the future.

Scope and Limitation

This research study is focused on examining the moral implication of premarital

sex, as well as the youth’s perception on the act itself. It will be carried among those who

had experience in premarital sex through structured interviews. It is confined to the

following: factors that influence premarital sex practices; consequences of indulgence in

premarital sex practices; attitude of students with regards to premarital sex practices as well

as the moral implication of students’ indulgence in premarital sex practices.

This study will be conducted during the second semester of the academic year 2018-

2019 at Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Inc., Iloilo.

Definition of Terms

For clarification and better understanding, the following terms used in the study

were defined conceptually and operationally:

Marriage. The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a

personal relationship. (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, 2007).

In this study, marriage is the moral and religious basis of the appropriation of proper

sexual intercourse.

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Society. The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered

community. (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, 2007).

In this study, society refers to the group of people who are in discourse for

agreement of opposition to the engagement with premarital sex.

Sex. (chiefly with reference to people) sexual activity, including specifically sexual

intercourse. (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, 2006).

In this study, sex is the focus of discourse to which it is debated to be either proper

or not, with regards to its engagement before marriage.

Youth. The period between childhood and adult age. (Merriam-Webster’s

Dictionary, 2016).

In this study, the youth is both the subject and the basis of the results in

congregating a result from various perceptions of premarital sex.

Religion. The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially

a personal God or gods. (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, 2010).

In this study, religion as the fundamental basis in the opposition towards the

indulgence with premarital sex.

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Legal Bases

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic

Act No. 10354), informally known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law, is

a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to methods on contraception,

fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.

Passage of the legislation was controversial and highly divisive, with tambays,

academics, religious institutions, and major political figures declaring their support or

opposition while it was pending in the legislature. Heated debates and rallies both

supporting and opposing the RH Bill took place nationwide.

The bill mandates the government to “promote, without biases, all effective natural

and modern methods of family planning that are medically safe and legal.” Although

abortion is recognized as illegal and punishable by law, the bill states that “the government

shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated

and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.” The bill calls for

a “multi-dimensional approach” integrates a component of family planning and responsible

parenthood into all government anti-poverty programs. Age-appropriate reproductive

health and sexuality education is required from grade five to fourth year high school using

“life-skills and other approaches.” The bill also mandates the Department of Labor and

Employment to guarantee the reproductive health rights of its female employees.

Companies with fewer than 200 workers are required to enter into partnership with health

care providers in their area for the delivery of reproductive health services.

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This Philippine law is relevant in the study of the researchers for the very reason

that it provides support in relation to the societal issue of premarital sex through the

guaranteed universal access of all to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual

education, and maternal care. Given the law and its supports and criticisms, it is believed

that the Reproductive Health Law promotes sexual relations between individuals in both

the grounds of marriage and not.

Republic Act No. 8504 is an act promulgating policies and prescribing measure

for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, instituting a nationwide

HIV/AIDS information and educational program, establishing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS

monitoring system, strengthening the Philippine National Aids Council, and for other

purposes.

This Republic Act is relevant to the study of the researchers given that unprotected

premarital sex have numerous effects on the individual practicing the act as well as to their

peers in society, the republic act providing a transparent relation to the societal issue.

Review of Related Literature

The study conducted by the (National Institute of Health 2009) said that, aging is

associated with a variety of changes. It explains that adolescence is a period of life

characterized by dramatic changes in biological processes, as well as physical and social

contexts, the stage of adolescence specifically used in the researcher’s study.

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In the online article entitled (Caring for Your Teenager 2003) it discusses that

adolescence stage ranges from years of puberty to adulthood. This was approximately

divided into three stages, to mention this are: early adolescence (12 – 13 years of age);

middle adolescence (14 to 16 years of age); and late adolescence, (17 – 21 years of age).

Generally, these are the ages were young ones are still in their college education. In

addition, the online article (Caring for Your Teenager 2003) lay down that, young boys

and girls as they go into their adolescent stage they infrequently think of the future. They

do not have the ability to consider what the effects of their action are. At late adolescence,

a lot of young ones appear to value modification of situations and ideas and they now plan

the future. They started to increase their thoughts and at this moment there is augmentation

of their competence to solve problems; however, with the presence of their innocence in

life they inconsistently apply their newly acquired ability and occasionally they may act

with lack of correct judgment.

The article entitled (Caring for Your Teenager, 2003) is relevant in the researchers’

study given that it shows behavioral patterns of adolescents, specifically those who are

within the age range of 12 until twenty-one years of age. Furthermore, it is relevant to the

study of the researchers as it explains the reasons as to why teenagers engage in the act of

premarital sex without giving much thought to the consequences in doing so.

As teenagers, there are points in life which they are not yet of much understanding

as the old ones. To be specific, this refers to the acts called premarital sex. According to

Leyson (n.d) “virginity is no longer a universally expected prerequisite for the marriage

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covenant”. However, this statement might not be true to all people in the world given their

own opinions based on their morals and religious beliefs.

In the words of Stogdill (1998) quoted from the Time magazine/CNN survey, it

was stipulated that 74% of teens said that their friends and the television were major

sources of sexual information and only 10% of teens say parents provided more

information” (as cited in the 4th edition book of King entitled in Human Sexuality Today).

It is time relevant to the researchers’ study given that in the modern world of

technology, most teenagers are exposed to modern media without much further explanation

as to what they have gathered.

Sex relations appear as one of the most important aspects of students’ life in the

university. Members of the larger society are no exception either. Sex, (Afi, 1977) argues,

is crucial to social survival.

The claim of (Afi, 1977) is relevant to the researchers’ study seen as however true

as the statement may be, it is equally important to note that sex is bound up in deep

psychological gratifications. Societal norms and values have placed restrictions and

conditions for engaging in sexual act. By such normative restrictions, significant members

of the population will be deprived of sexual gratifications. It was for the interest of the

individual and the society at large that sexual relationships sanctioned and regulated. Sex

is capable of impelling individuals toward behavior which may disrupt the relationship

upon which social life depends.

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(Warner 1973) observed that sex before marriage is seen as normal and a

pleasurable satisfaction which young adults experience. The university environment allows

freer sexual activities and this is against moral values of the community. The University is

witnessing he prevalence of pre-marital sex, homosexuals, rape and adultery in the campus.

Public out-cry against these vices is increasing and significant members of tile community

felt that something has to be done. (Odoemelan 1996) observed that inappropriate sexual

behaviors and consequences of such behaviors constitute enormous problems.

The observations of (Warner, 1973) and of (Odoemelan, 1996) are relevant to the

study in regards to premarital sex given that the existence of pre-marital sex among the

youth in the university environment can be attributed to a variety of factors. These factors

include economic factors, social issues, peer pressure, the mass media influence, and search

for academic advantage.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines is among the top ten countries where

there is an increasing number of teenage mothers (Ong, 2009). Once the child is born the

teenage mom bears the burden of rearing the child at her very young age. This is not the

only point to be considered but generally this will add to the overpopulation of the country

and increase the poor quality of life.

On the ground of relevance to the researchers’ study, this shows and tackles the

possible effects highlighted by the researchers’ respondents in the engagement with

premarital sex.

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In the online article of (Wiltse 2009), the Philippines is one of the fastest growing

populations in Asia with about 2 million new births each year. The government estimated

that in 2040 the Philippines’ population is projected to expand to as many as 142 million.

Furthermore, she expounded that teenage pregnancy is widespread in the Philippines,

especially amongst the poor in Manila. Young mothers face enormous health risks,

obstructed labor is common and results in newborn deaths and deaths or disabilities in the

mothers. (Harding 2010) concurred in his article when he said that there are alleged harmful

physical and psychological effects of premarital sex and similarly with the out-of-wedlock

childbirth.

Review of Related Studies

According to Yadav and Makwana (2017), their studies had shown that pre-marital

sex and live-in relationship among young people are increasing at an alarming rate. Remote

consequences of such high-risk behaviors are increased in the incidence of STDs (including

HIV), unsafe and illegal abortion, adolescent pregnancy and motherhood, single mother

child/abandoned child, juvenile delinquency and many more.

In the study of Abdissa, Addisie, and Seifu (2016) A number of adolescents are

involved in sexual activities at an early age which exposes them to the risk of unintended

pregnancy, abortion, and STIs. Even though, the health problem of young people is critical

among both sexes, adolescent girls are more affected because of their biological, economic

and social vulnerability. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the prevalence,

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consequences and associated factors of premarital sex among female students in Ambo

University.

The studies of Yadav and Makwana (2017) and Abdissa, Addisie, and Seifu (2016)

are relevant to the researchers’ study because it provides further information as to what are

the consequences of an individual engaging in premarital sex. Furthermore, it shows not

only effect to self but also the effect to the future child bore through unprotected premarital

sex and to others.

The study conducted by Szeman (1985) showed that in Hungary, a village had been

characterized by the double standard view much on the role of men and as such the women

are prohibited to engage in any type of sexual relationship prior to marriage. Szeman (1985)

continued that this outlook has been affected through the exceptionally strong family

socialization. Furthermore, the study has supported the assumption that despite the

liberalization trend that is general in Hungary, there are still differences in the pre-marital

sexual pattern from one region to the next, and there are particularly marked differences

between rural and urban areas (Szeman, 1985).

In the study of Ghuman, S. Huy, Lol and Knodel (2006) they suggested that

premarital sex is becoming more common in Vietnam but is still not widespread. The

increase in the frequency of premarital sex was seen since there were individuals who

engage in sex exclusively with a future spouse. They further claimed that “very few men

had premarital sex with someone other than a future spouse”.

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The studies of Szeman (1985) and that of Ghuman, S. Huy, Lol and Knodel (2006)

are relevant to study of the researchers given that it shows the comparison and similarity

of the rates and events of premarital sex in other countries which could be one of the basis

in researchers’ formulation of conclusion.

The results of the study of (Woodward, Fergusson, and Horwood, 2004)

emphasized that majority of first pregnancies occurred between the ages of 17 and 20 years.

While, the study carried out by the UP Population Institute exhibit lower ages to those who

engaged in premarital sex. It manifested that one (1) out of four (4) Filipinos aged 15- 24

are engaging in premarital sex, (“Premarital sex”, 2007).

The study of Woodward, Fergusson, and Horwood (2004) is significant to the

researchers’ study given that there data is within the age range of the targeted population

of the study, which could later serve as basis of comparison in data analysis.

In the study conducted by (Zablan 1994) revealed that 18 percent of Filipino youths

approved premarital sex, 80 percent disapproved, and 2 percent were neutral (as cited in

Leyson, n.d.).

The study conducted by Zablan (1994) is relevant to the researchers’ study because

the focus of our data respondent is targeted on the Filipino youth.

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Chapter 2

Methodology

This chapter discusses the materials, methods, and procedures used obtaining data

that are to analyzed and interpreted.

Research Design

This study used descriptive research method to find out the perception of a

teenager who has engaged in premarital sex. This method includes many particular

methodology and procedures such as structured interview.

Subject of the Study

The respondent of the study is a seventeen-year-old female who is still currently

studying in Senior High School.

Materials and Instrumentations

The researchers collected facts through the use of a structured interview with

prepared set of questions. Open-ended questions were used in the interview so that the

participant may clearly explain all the answers to the questions. The guiding

questionnaires held by the interviewer is composed of 5 questions and follow-up questions.

The questions are made in order for the researchers to determine the perceptions regarding

the issue of premarital sex. In addition, the researchers wanted to know if they are amenable

to premarital sex. For this particular study, the researchers used the structured interview

method. The researcher conducted an interview to identify the perceptions of a

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student. Through this method the researchers were able to come up with a timely and

advanced approach in the data gathered. These collected data were then analyzed in order

to understand each perception of the youth in one of the current issues in the Philippines –

premarital sex.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researcher seamed a permission from the respondents to conduct an interview

to the selected interviewees. The interview was conducted personally wherein a

detailed explanation of the questions were given so that the respondent could give her

honest answers, and also that the participant is greatly assured of the confidentiality of her

answers.

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PAASCU ACCREDITED
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Chapter 3

Results and Discussions

This chapter presents the results and findings of the study.

Results

This presents the results of the study based on the statement of the problem as

raised in Chapter I.

1. What do you know about premarital sex?

Interviewee: “Ang premarital sex ay duwa ka tao nga ga himo sexual activities na

wala pa sila na kasal.”

2. What caused you to do this act?

Interviewee: “Sang gin mangkot ko sang ex ko, una daw hindi pa ako tani pero kay

palangga ko ex ko sang una nagpasugot ko kag gusto ko man daan mabal-an kung

paano na sa.”

3. Follow-up Question: How old were you when you first participated in the act?

Interviewee: “Sang grade 9 ako bali 15 edad ko.”

The interviewee admitted that she first participated in the act when she was 15 years

old.

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4. Are you aware that there are possible consequences when doing the said act?

Interviewee: “Huo amo na gani ngaa ga duwa-duwa pako kung ubrahon ko gid

man na kay gina panumdum ko nga bisan may condom basi bala mabusong ko kag bal-

an ko nga ma-apektohan gid pag-tuon ko kag pamilya ko man mismo. Pero thankful ko

kay wala man natabo(nabusong)”

5. Do you have any feeling of regret for doing the act?

Interviewee: “May ara man kay kis-a matyag ko daw higko nagid ko na tao tunggod

kay na ubra ko na kag syempre gakasakitan ko sa mga hambal sang iban na tao nga

dapat ang mayo nga bayi kabalo maghulat para e-ubrahon na”

6. Should premarital sex be normalized within the society?

Interviewee: “Hindi man siguro normalized gid kay ang balan man sang tanan nga

ang Pilipinas Christian country gid. May ara gid mga tawo nga hindi makabaton bangod

sa ila nga mga beliefs nga sa ila, amo gid ina ang tsakto. Pero tani respeto nalang ang

ihatag sang mga tawo kay amuna, lain lain man ang pagtulok sang mga tawo sa muni nga

issue. Ang importante, waay sila may matapakan nga tawo sa ila man nga ihatag nga

opinion.”

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Discussions

The peer group is an important factor in adolescent development and has some

bearing on teenagers’ decisions about sex.

• Adolescents (ages 13 to 18) report that they are most likely to get information

about sexual health issues from their peers.

• Peer group attitudes about sex influence the attitudes and behaviors of teenagers.

Youths who resist engaging in sexual activity tend to have friends who are abstinent as

well. They also tend to have strong personal beliefs in abstinence and the perception of

negative parental reactions. Youths who are sexually active tend to believe that most of

their friends are sexually active as well, that rewards outweigh the costs of sexual

involvement, that sex overall is rewarding, and that it is all right for unmarried adolescents

over age 16 to engage in intercourse.

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Ledesma Street, Iloilo City
PAASCU ACCREDITED
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Chapter 4

Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

This chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations of the study.

Summary of Findings

1. Perception on Premarital Sex

The interviewee stated that it is doing sexual activities by two people who are

unmarried. The answer of the interviewee had made a conclusion that involves the

sacrament of marriage and the rules of the church.

2. Causes of Premarital Sex

The interviewee honestly answered that she was hesitant at first but her curiousness

and her strong feeling of love towards her past relationship made her do the act.

3. Consequences of Premarital Sex

The interviewee stated that she was aware of the consequences that can possibly happen

upon doing the act. The reason why she was hesitant at first to try the act even there is the

presence of a contraceptive because of the possible consequences and that is pregnancy at

an early age. She explained further that being pregnant at an early age can cause a great

effect to her education and her family as well. She considers herself lucky for she didn’t

become pregnant.

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4. Moral Implication of Engaging to Premarital Sex

The interviewee admittedly said that she would occasionally feel regret because of the

thought that she did the act and would feel pain whenever people talk about the standards

of women where women are considered “clean” or good if women wait for marriage to

have sexual intercourse.

5. Normalization of Premarital Sex in the Society

The interviewee stated that premarital sex should not be normalized within the society

given that our country, Philippines, is a Christian country with tight beliefs of preserving

virginity before marriage. She stated that within the society, there will be people who

cannot be swayed in terms of their opinions based on their beliefs which they think is the

absolute right. However, she hopes that people would give respect at the very least given

the fact that not all people has a common mindset and perspective regarding the matter.

She said that the most important thing in treating others is that they should not hurt other

people in giving their opinions.

Conclusion

Based on the gathered data, the researchers had concluded that the participant

have different perceptions and views about premarital sex. There are positive and negative

arguments about this issue. The participants stated that premarital sex is derived from

ignorance, immaturity and irrational emotions that teenagers usually feel out of parental

guidance and enough knowledge. There were also factors to consider and may be prevented.

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Recommendations

1. Teenagers or the youth must be educated and well oriented on about how serious

was the said matter.

2. Parents have the major role of guiding their children about the consequences of

every action or decisions that they may do.

3. Teenagers should apply the teachings of abstinence and why it is important to

wait.

4. Couples must understand that showing your love to your partner does not require

sexual intercourse. It is a must to understand that it was not the basis of love.

5. Peer pressure and influence must not affect ones’ decisions and views about

certain topics and especially in serious matters.

6. Specify ones’ dreams and goals and set it as a distraction from making irrational

decisions.

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