Sexual assertiveness as a predictor of premarital sexual behavior among female adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Adolescence is a critical phase of life that needs extra attention. One common issue among adolescents is engaging in premarital sex, which can have serious negative effects, especially for girls. Girls need to develop the ability to firmly say no to premarital sexual activity, which is known as sexual assertiveness. This study aimed to examine the influence of sexual assertiveness on premarital sexual behavior in adolescents. This was an observational study using a cross-sectional design. The independent variable was the sexual assertiveness and the dependent variable in this research was premarital sexual behavior. This research was conducted in June – August 2024 in classroom settings at UNUSA. The sample in this study consists of 92 female students who have a boyfriend. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique. Data collection in this study was carried out face to face through interviews and questionnaires. The instruments used were the sexual behavior scale and the Sexual Assertiveness Questionnaire (SAQ). Analysis used a simple linear regression test. The results of the statistical test show a value of ρ = 0,000 (p < 0,05), which means there is an influence of sexual assertiveness on premarital sexual behavior in adolescents. Adolescents with strong sexual assertiveness are better able to avoid engaging in premarital sexual activities, helping them steer clear of its negative consequences. The results of this study are expected to be the basis for designing interventions or educational programs aimed at improving sexual assertiveness skills as a form of self-protection in maintaining adolescent reproductive and mental health.