Attitudes towards marriage on the sexual behaviours of female adolescents raised by single mothers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role of attitudes towards marriage on the sexual behaviour of female adolescents raised by single mothers. The main objectives of this study were to compare attitudes towards marriage and sexual behaviour of female adolescents raised by single mothers and those raised by both parents and to investigate the influence of female adolescents attitudes towards marriage on their sexual attitudes and their sexual behaviour. Data were collected from a purposively sampled group of 300 (150 for experimental and comparison group respectively) from around Mahikeng in the North-West Province. The ages of participants ranged from 18-24 years. The results showed a significant mean difference in birth control among female adolescents who have been raised by single mothers as compared to those who are raised by both parents (p <.01). There was a positive significant correlation between general concepts and permissiveness p < .001. General concepts also correlated positively with birth control p <.001. A positive significant relationship was found between feelings and communion p <. 001. There was also a positive significant relationship between general concepts and instrumentality p < .001. The relationship between general concepts and behaviour facet was positive and significant p < .001. A negative significant relationship was found between feelings and attitude facet p <.001. There was a significant positive relationship found between general concepts and the desire facet p< .001. In conclusion, the results of this study can be used to develop programmes targeting the parenting of single mothers.