Inappropriate Sexual Behaviours as Perceived by Students in the Institute of Education, Delta State University, Abraka: Implication for Counselling

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of students in the Institute of Education on the incidence of inappropriate sexual behaviours among students at Delta State University, Abraka. A total of 334 students in Business Education and Library Science Education completed a questionnaire with items on pre-marital sex, pornographic materials, sexual abuse and indecent dressing. The instrument for the study was a 22 – item “Youth Assessment of Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour Interest Inventory” (YASPII). The instrument had acceptable content and face validity. It had a Cronbach alpha reliability index of .75. Four research hypotheses were tested. Findings of the study revealed that pre-marital sex, pornographic films and indecent dressing were perceived by students as common forms of inappropriate sexual behaviour. There was however disparity in their perception of sexual abuse as a form of inappropriate behaviour. It was recommended that sexuality education be scaled up in Nigerian higher education institutions.Counselors and other stakeholders should sensitize students on the consequences of viewing pornographic materials, engaging in pre-marital sex and wearing indecent clothing.