Qualitative Research: Family Function and Sexual Intention Based on Theory of Planned Behavior on Middle Adolescents in Medan

Abstract

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) states that behavioral intention is determined by beliefs that determine attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The belief itself comes from background factors such as family functions. This study discusses the relationships between family function, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on teen's sexual intention. The study used a qualitative approach involving 9 female respondents aged 15-18 years who had sexual experiences in PKBI Medan, Indonesia. Non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews conducted between July-August 2018. The results of the study show the interplay between a family function with an attitude towards sexual behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in adolescents. Weak family functions shape attitudes towards sex, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls that support sexual behavior. Conversely, attitude towards sex, subjective norms and perceived behavioral controls which support sexual behavior escalate conflicts between family members, increase distance in relationships, poor communication, parental neglect, and low monitoring. Attitude towards sex, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control also influence each other. The results showed that intervention should focus on the parental capacity to function their family to decrease sexual intention on adolescents through the establishment of attitude towards sex, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control.