PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF DATING AND PREMARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived influence of dating and premarital sexual behaviours 
among undergraduate students of the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The increasing 
prevalence of dating relationships and premarital sexual activities among university students 
has raised concerns regarding their effects on academic performance, health, and overall 
well-being. The study aimed to assess students’ perceptions of dating, premarital sexual 
behaviour, factors influencing these behaviours, and their perceived effects. A descriptive 
survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of undergraduate 
students of the University of Jos, from which a sample of 200 respondents was selected using 
a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled 
“Perceived Influence of Dating and Premarital Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire 
(PLDPSBQ)”. The instrument was validated by experts in the Faculty of Education, 
University of Jos, and its reliability index of 0.82 was established using Cronbach’s alpha 
method. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard 
deviation. The findings revealed that dating is widely perceived as a normal aspect of 
university life and plays a role in students’ emotional and social development. However, 
premarital sexual behaviour was also found to be prevalent among students, influenced by 
factors such as peer pressure, social media exposure, financial needs and the campus 
environment. The study further revealed that while dating may provide emotional support, 
excessive involvement and premarital sexual activities have negative implications, including 
poor academic performance, exposure to sexually transmitted infections, unwanted 
pregnancies, and emotional stress. Based on the findings, the study concluded that dating and 
premarital sexual behaviours significantly influence undergraduate students’ lifestyles and 
decision-making processes. It is therefore recommended that universities, parents, and 
religious organizations intensify efforts toward providing proper guidance, counselling 
services, and comprehensive sexuality education to students.