Influence Of Dating And Premarital Sex On Emotional Wellbeing And Academic Achievements Of Senior Secondary Schools In Nsukka Lga Of Enugu State
Okolo Jennifer G
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.
Okolo Victor O
Department of Marketing, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
Ujah Patrick N
Department of History Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria
Keywords: Dating, premarital sex, emotional wellbeing, academic achievement, Nsukka
Abstract
The study was conducted to find out the influence of dating and premarital sex on emotional wellbeing and academic achievements of senior secondary school students in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of dating on emotional wellbeing of senior secondary school students in Nsukka LGA. Also, to determine the influence of premarital sex on emotional wellbeing of senior secondary school students in Nsukka LGA. Thirdly, to determine the influence of dating on academic achievements of senior secondary school students in Nsukka LGA. Finally, to determine the influence of premarital sex on academic achievements of senior secondary school students in Nsukka LGA. The descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. The population for the study consisted of 6,953 senior secondary school students. The convenient sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a 19-item researcher’s- designed questionnaire. Three experts from Human Kinetics and Health Education Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka validated the instrument. The reliability of the instrument was conducted using Cronbach alpha statistics and the value of 0.81 was realised. Four hundred (400) copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents. Out of the 400 copies of the questionnaire administered, 368 copies were returned and used for data analysis. Mean score and standard deviation were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that dating has significant influence on emotional wellbeing of senior secondary school students ( = 2.55, SD.901). Also, it was revealed that premarital sex has significant influence on emotional wellbeing of senior secondary school students ( = 2.55, SD =1.031). Thirdly, it was revealed that dating has significant influence on academic achievements of senior secondary school students ( = 2.66, SD 1.013). Finally, it was also revealed that premarital sex has significant influence on academic achievements of senior secondary school students ( = 3.05, SD.1.053). It was recommended that the school authority should sensitize senior secondary school students on the consequences of engaging in dating and premarital sex and the risks to avoid academic failures and dropping out of school.