1. society
2. sex

Far East Journal of Psycholog y and Business
Vol. 8 No. 1 July 2012
PREVALENCE OF HUMANIST PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL
HARASSMENT AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN ABA- ABIA STATE,
NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CROSS CULTURAL COUNSELING
Rev. Azu Kalu Oko PhD, Mcasson
Consultant Counselor
Abia State Polytechnic Counseling Centre
P.M.B. 7166 Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Ugboaku, Nwankpa
Guidance Counselor
Girls Junior Secondary School, Abayi- Aba
Abia State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the prevalence of the humanist perspective of sexual harassment
among adolescents in a Christian mission secondary school. Three research questions and
two hypotheses were used. The descriptive survey used a cluster sample of 70 students. A
close-ended questionnaire was used as the instrument for gathering data which were analyzed
using frequency distribution, percentage and the correlation test. The findings indicate that
the traditional perspective of sexual harassment is still more prevalent despite the influence of
western culture and media. There is no significant relationship between gender and
subscription to humanist perspective of sexual harassment among adolescents. There is no
significant relationship between age and subscription to humanist perspective of sexual
harassment among adolescents. Implications for education and cross-cultural counseling were
highlighted.
Keywords: Sexual Harassment, Humanist Perspective, Harassment
Paper Type: Research Paper
INTRODUCTION
Humanism is a philosophy of life predominant in the countries of Europe and North and
South America often referred to as Western World. It emphasizes the dignity and worth of
the individual. Satisfaction of the needs of man instead of a supernatural being somewhere
is the goal of human existence. Values are determined by how much they contribute to human
happiness, comfort and achievement. Humanism considers sex as a natural drive, similar to
hunger and thirst, which brings comfort and happiness when satisfied by volition. Therefore ,
Sexual Harassment, in the humanist perspective is an unwanted verbal or physical behavior
of a sexual nature that occurs in the workplace or in an educational setting under certain
conditions. Such behavior is illegal if it creates an environment that is hostile or intimidating;
if it interferes with a person’s work or school performance, or if acceptance of the harasser’s
behavior is made a condition of employment or academic achievement. It can also occur
among peers—for example, if co-workers repeatedly tell sexual jokes, post pornographic
photos, or make unwelcome sexual innuendos to another co-worker(Gregory 2007;
Chika:2010). Both men and women can be harassers or victims of sexual harassment.
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The humanistic perspective of sexual harassment advocates respect for three fundamental
rights of assertive sexual relationships namely( Ota:2005; Oko:2010):
i.
The Right To Request
Requesting for anything including sex is part of the freedom of expression, which is a
fundamental human right. Every person has the right to request anything from anybody at any
time. Request for voluntary sexual relationship does not constitute sexual harassment because
sex is one of the natural drives meant to be satisfied. Requesting for sex is the same as
requesting for food or water. It is not a crime to request sex from a person for the following
reasons:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The other party has the right to accept or reject
Request may be the gateway to consent which legitimizes the relationship
Request may be the gateway to wooing which is allowed by law and culture
Some requests end in friendship without sex
Some requests metamorphose to marriages
Request even when rejected boosts the self esteem and self confidence of a woman by
making her feel that she is still commanding enough attraction and attention. A woman
who has never been approached by a man either for sex or marriage begins to doubt her
sexiness.
7. Request even when rejected boosts the ego of the man by making him feel that he is
masculine enough. It takes courage to approach a woman.
ii.
The Right To Reject Or Accept
The right to accept or reject a request borders on freedom of will and conscience whic h is a
fundamental human right. It is not an offence to reject a sexual overture if one feels
uncomfortable with it even though such rejection should be communicated in simp le and bold
language.
iii.
The Right To Correct An Error Or Right A Wrong
The right to correct an error is predicated on the fact that every citizen is a custodian of
societal values and norms. When request for sex graduates to intimidation, coercion,
victimization or dismissal, it is apparent that the person has treaded on someone’s
fundamental rights. However such correction should be done by all righteous means and
within the ambit of the law.
Adolescents are prone to be victims as well as initiators of sexual harassment due to
immaturity. Adolescence which refers to 12 to 18 years age bracket is a period marked by
strong sexual drive in humans due to hormonal changes associated with the maturity of the
sexual organs (Ado; Adi, 2006). It is the period during which a person adjusts to the physical,
sexual, emotional and social changes associated with transition from childhood to adult hood.
They are prone to imitation, emulation, peer pressure and conformity syndrome due to the
curiosity to explore human existence and environment (Aremu, 2010). This makes them
vulnerable to unethical foreign influences, especially those from the West, which filters to
them often through the electronic media. Hence the need to investigate the prevalence of the
humanist perspective of sexual harassment among adolescents in Aba- Abia State.
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Far East Journal of Psycholog y and Business
Vol. 8 No. 1 July 2012
Statement of the Proble m
The negative impact of the projection of the humanistic view of sexual harassment in Nigeria
through electronic media cannot be overemphasized. The mass media in Nigeria is replete
with reports of child trafficking. teenage pregnancy, adolescent prostitution. illegitimate
sexual relations, venereal diseases, increased sex relations among adolescents, sexual
assaults, illegal abortions and abandoned babies (Ezuruike:2003). Gyepi-Garba, (1985)
highlighted in his survey of unmarried youths aged 14-25 in Ibadan, Nigeria that half the
girls and nearly four fifth of the boys have had sexual relationships by the time they were 18
years of age.
Nationwide, the median age at first sexual intercourse for women aged 30-40 years is 16.3
years (Federal Office of Statistics, 1992). This high level of promiscuity contradicts the
traditional sexual norms which considers any verbal or non verbal sexual overture outside
marriage as sexual harassment (Chika, 2010). It is traditionally believed that ―sexual pleasure
has no purpose other than to promote marital stability and the possibility of procreation‖
(Chika, 2010). Obscene pictures, languages, and songs are not allowed. Sex is so sensitive
and respected that private human organs are described in euphemism. Thus a woman will say
―my bottom‖ when she means‖ my vagina‖. ―The thing of his manhood‖ when she means ―a
man’s genitals‖ or ―my husband slept with me‖ when she means that her husband had sexual
intercourse with her. These virtues are inculcated in children through folk stories and more
importantly through example and social sanction. Therefore, it is pertinent to investigate the
impact of the western perspective of sexual harassment on the adolescents who are the most
susceptible group to foreign values due to immaturity.
Scope of the Study
This research work focused on adolescent students in Secondary Schools in Aba metropolis.
Purpose of the Study
This research specifically sought to:
1. Determine whether the humanist perspective of sexual harassment has been widely
accepted.
2. Ascertain whether the humanistic perspective of sexual harassment has greater impact on
boys than girls.
3. Determine whether the humanistic perspective of sexual harassment has greater influence
on young adolescents than old adolescents.
Significance of the Study
The study on prevalence of the liberal humanist perspective of sexual harassment will be of
immense value to students, counselors, teachers and the society at large. The students will
develop greater awareness of the foreign influences impinging on their lives as a result of the
findings of the study. The findings will enable teachers to checkmate the influence of
Western perspective of sexual harassment by pointing out the weaknesses in the classroom.
The findings of the study will help counselors by facilitating the selection of appropriate
techniques and strategies to checkmate the negative influence of the foreign perspective.. The
findings will challenge the government to control importation of western films especially
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pornography into the country. This will enhance the circulation and production of indigenous
films which project traditional sexual norms and values. `
Research Questions
To carry out this study, three research questions were postulated:
1. How prevalent is the humanist perspective of sexual harassment among adolescents?
2. To what extent does gender influence the susceptibility of adolescents to the humanistic
perspective of sexual harassment?
3. To what extent does age influence susceptibility of adolescents to the humanistic
perspective of sexual harassment?
Hypothesis
H01 : There is no significant difference between male adolescent perspective of humanistic
sexual harassment and those of females adolescents.
H02 : There is no significant difference between old adolescents’ perspective of humanistic
sexual harassment and that of young adolescents.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This is a descriptive survey research. The investigation is not seeking to estab lish cause and
effect but to isolate variables and their influence.
Population Of The Study
The population of this study consisted of 4700 adolescents in the eight secondary school in
Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State (Secondary Education Management Board,
Aba Zone).
Sample and Sampling Technique
This research used a cluster sample of seventy (70) secondary school students composed of
35 males and 35 females. The study used all the students in God First Academy , Aba in Abia
State, who were active Scripture Union members. This was designed to measure the strength
of the influence of the humanistic perspective of sexual harassment since the Scripture Union
members by virtue of their religious convictions, should be the least vulnerable. This is
predicated on the findings of Aremu (2010) who investigated the Sexual Behavior as
Perceived by Selected Tertiary Institution Students with 150 students of Federal College of
Education, Kontagora . The study revealed that religion was a significant factor in the sexual
behavior perception among the youth. Christian and Moslem respondents differed in their
perception of sexual behavior.
Instrumentation
The study applied a researcher developed questionnaire composed of 9 items to generate the
relevant data .
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Far East Journal of Psycholog y and Business
Vol. 8 No. 1 July 2012
Administration of the Instrume nt
The researcher administered the questionnaire to the respondents in person. This enabled him
to explain the purpose and significance of the study to the respondents where necessary to
facilitate more response that is accurate. The questionnaire copies were collected back from
the students the same day they were administered.
Data Analysis Procedure
The data collected in this study were statistically analyzed using frequency distribution
tables, percentages and correlation test.
Result of Findings
Research Question 1: How prevalent is the
among adolescents?
humanist perspective of sexual harassment
TABLE - 1: PREVALENCE OF HUMANIST PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL
HARASSMENT
Yes
Freq
%
Items
No
Freq
%
Sexual intercourse should be restricted to a single person of
the opposite sex.
45
64%
25
36%
Sexual intercourse is good with different people of the
opposite sex.
One should close the door when he is in the room with the
opposite sex.
Fondling with one’s organ is a good way to derive sexual
satisfaction.
It is allowed to have sexual intercourse with people of the
same sex as yourself once in a while.
Gift could be given to one’s class mates of opposite sex (like
greeting cards, pens, biscuits, suya) so as to make them
become one’s sex mates).
It is right to go to drinking and eating places with men or
women old enough to be your parents.
It is right to eat or drink with men or women of your parents’
age in the eating or drinking places.
It is dangerous to request for gifts or money from men or
women of your parents age.
18
26%
52
74%
50
71%
20
29%
21
30%
49
70%
9
13%
61
87%
29
41%
41
59%
5
7%
65
93%
10
14%
60
86%
40
57%
30
43%
25.22
36%
44.77
64%
Mean
Research Question 2 : To what extent does gender influence the susceptibility of adolescents
to the humanistic perspective of sexual harassment?
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TABLE - 2: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER AND HUMANISTIC
PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
S/N
Scores
Boys Girls
S/N
Scores
Boys Girls
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
8
16
25
8
8
20
24
16
8
16
16
8
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
8
4
16
8
12
20
12
16
10
8
10
8
8
20
20
24
20
16
32
8
8
0
12
16
Girls
12.94
π
8
16
25
8
8
8
8
16
16
12
16
16
Boys 13.62
S/N
Scores
Boys Girls
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
12
16
16
16
16
20
24
16
20
8
8
20
16
12
16
4
8
12
8
4
4
8
RESEARCH QUESTION 3: To what extent does age influence susceptibility of adolescents
to the humanistic perspective of sexual harassment?
TABLE - 3: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND SEXUAL PERSPECTIVE
S/N
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Scores:
Mean Age :
Scores
X
8
16
25
8
8
20
24
16
8
Y
8
8
8
16
16
12
16
16
20
S/N
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Scores
X
16
16
8
8
4
16
8
12
20
X = 16-18 years age bracket
X =12.88
Y
20
32
8
0
12
20
16
12
4
S/N
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Scores
X
Y
12 12
16 4
10 8
8
12
16 20
16 9
8
4
8
28
Y= 12-15 years age bracket
Y= 13.11
H01 : There is no significant relationship between gender and
sexual harassment.
perspective of humanistic
TABLE - 4: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER AND PERSPECTIVE
S/N Scores
Calculation
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Far East Journal of Psycholog y and Business
Vol. 8 No. 1 July 2012
Boys (x) Girls (y) x-ẋ
(x-ẋ)2
Y-Ῡ
(Y-Ῡ)2
(x-ẋ).(Y-Ῡ)
1
8.00
8.00 (5.63)
31.68
(4.94)
24.43
27.82
2
16.00
16.00
2.37
5.62
3.06
9.35
7.25
3
25.00
25.00 11.37
129.31
12.06
145.37
137.11
4
8.00
8.00 (5.63)
31.68
(4.94)
24.43
27.82
5
8.00
8.00 (5.63)
31.68
(4.94)
24.43
27.82
6
20.00
8.00
6.37
40.60
(4.94)
24.43
(31.49)
7
24.00
8.00 10.37
107.57
(4.94)
24.43
(51.26)
8
16.00
16.00
2.37
5.62
3.06
9.35
7.25
9
8.00
16.00 (5.63)
31.68
3.06
9.35
(17.21)
10
16.00
12.00
2.37
5.62
(0.94)
0.89
(2.24)
11
16.00
16.00
2.37
5.62
3.06
9.35
7.25
12
8.00
16.00 (5.63)
31.68
3.06
9.35
(17.21)
13
8.00
8.00 (5.63)
31.68
(4.94)
24.43
27.82
14
4.00
20.00 (9.63)
92.71
7.06
49.80
(67.95)
15
16.00
20.00 2.37
5.62
7.06
49.80
16.74
16
8.00
24.00 (5.63)
31.68
11.06
122.26
(62.24)
17
12.00
20.00 (1.63)
2.65
7.06
49.80
(11.49)
18
20.00
16.00 6.37
40.60
3.06
9.35
19.48
19
12.00
32.00 (1.63)
2.65
19.06
363.17
(31.04)
20
16.00
8.00 2.37
5.62
(4.94)
24.43
(11.72)
21
10.00
8.00 (3.63)
13.17
(4.94)
24.43
17.94
22
8.00
(5.63)
31.68 (12.94)
167.52
72.85
23
10.00
12.00 (3.63)
13.17
(0.94)
0.89
3.42
24
8.00
16.00 (5.63)
31.68
3.06
9.35
(17.21)
25
12.00
20.00 (1.63)
2.65
7.06
49.80
(11.49)
26
16.00
16.00 2.37
5.62
3.06
9.35
7.25
27
16.00
12.00
2.37
5.62
(0.94)
0.89
(2.24)
28
16.00
16.00 2.37
5.62
3.06
9.35
7.25
29
16.00
4.00
2.37
5.62
(8.94)
79.97
(21.21)
30
20.00
8.00
6.37
40.60
(4.94)
24.43
(31.49)
31
24.00
12.00 10.37
107.57
(0.94)
0.89
(9.78)
32
16.00
8.00
2.37
5.62
(4.94)
24.43
(11.72)
33
20.00
4.00
6.37
40.60
(8.94)
79.97
(56.98)
34
8.00
4.00 (5.63)
31.68
(8.94)
79.97
50.34
35
8.00
8.00 (5.63)
31.68
(4.94)
24.43
27.82
Total
0.00
1,044.17
(0.00)
1,593.89
27.26
N = Number of pairs; ẋ = Mean of Boys; Ῡ = Mean of Girls
N = 35;
(ẋ) = 13.63;
∑(x-ẋ).(Y-Ῡ) = 27.26;
∑(x-ẋ)2 = 1,044.17;
Correlation (X,Y)
Ῡ = 12.94;
∑(Y-Ῡ)2 = 1,593.89
=
∑(x-ẋ).(Y-Ῡ)
∑(x-ẋ)2 ∑(Y-Ῡ)2
=
27.26
(1,044.17).(1,593.89)
=
27.26
1,664,289.92
=
27.26 / 1,290.07
64
= 0.02
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The correlation between gender and susceptibility of adolescents to the humanistic
perspective of sexual harassment = 0.02
H02 : There is no significant relationship between age and
humanistic sexual harassment.
adolescents’ perspective of
TABLE - 5: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND SEXUAL PERSPECTIVE
S/N
Ages (Years)
16-18 (X) 12-15 (Y)
Calculation
x-ẋ
(x-ẋ)2
Y-Ῡ
(Y-Ῡ)2
(x-ẋ).(Y-Ῡ)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
8.00
16.00
25.00
8.00
8.00
20.00
24.00
16.00
8.00
16.00
16.00
8.00
8.00
4.00
16.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
16.00
16.00
12.00
16.00
16.00
20.00
20.00
32.00
8.00
12.00
20.00
16.00
(4.88) 23.86 (5.12)
3.12
9.71
(5.12)
12.12 146.78 (5.12)
(4.88) 23.86
2.88
(4.88) 23.86
2.88
7.12
50.63 (1.12)
11.12 123.55 2.88
3.12
9.71
2.88
(4.88) 23.86
6.88
3.12
9.71
6.88
3.12
9.71
18.88
(4.88) 23.86 (5.12)
(4.88) 23.86 (13.12)
(8.88) 78.94 (1.12)
3.12
9.71
6.88
(4.88) 23.86
2.88
26.17
26.17
26.17
8.32
8.32
1.24
8.32
8.32
47.40
47.40
356.63
26.17
172.01
1.24
47.40
8.32
24.99
(15.94)
(61.97)
(14.09)
(14.09)
(7.94)
32.06
8.99
(33.63)
21.45
58.83
24.99
64.06
9.91
21.45
(14.09)
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
12.00
20.00
12.00
16.00
10.00
8.00
16.00
16.00
8.00
12.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
8.00
12.00
20.00
9.00
4.00
(0.88)
7.12
(0.88)
3.12
(2.88)
(4.88)
3.12
3.12
(4.88)
0.78
50.63
0.78
9.71
8.32
23.86
9.71
9.71
23.86
(1.12)
(9.12)
(1.12)
(9.12)
(5.12)
(1.12)
6.88
(4.12)
(9.12)
1.24
83.09
1.24
83.09
26.17
1.24
47.40
16.94
83.09
0.99
(64.86)
0.99
(28.40)
14.76
5.45
21.45
(12.82)
44.53
26.
8.00
Total
28.00
(4.88) 23.86
(0.00) 776.65
14.88
-
221.55
1,384.65
(72.71)
14.35
N = Number of pairs; ẋ = Mean of 16 – 18 Years; Ῡ = Mean of 12 – 15 Years
N = 26;
(ẋ) = 12.88;
Ῡ = 13.12;
∑(x-ẋ).(Y-Ῡ) = 14.35;
∑(x-ẋ)2 = 776.65;
∑(Y-Ῡ)2 = 1,384.65
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Correlation (X,Y)
Vol. 8 No. 1 July 2012
=
∑(x-ẋ).(Y-Ῡ)
∑(x-ẋ)2 ∑(Y-Ῡ)2
=
14.35
1,075,396.74
=
=
14.35
(776.65).(1,384.65)
14.35 / 1,037.01
= 0.01
The correlation between age and susceptibility of adolescents to the humanistic perspective of
sexual harassment = 0.01
DISCUSSION
The result presented in table 1 indicate that the nine items used to test the prevalence of the
humanistic perspective of sexual harassment among adolescents in Aba, Abia State of
Nigeria recorded a mean score of 25.22 in the affirmative and a mean score of 44.77 in the
rejective. This means that 36 percent of the sample subscribes to the humanistic perspective
of sexual harassment while 64% rejects the perspective in favor of the traditional
perspective. Although the traditional perspective of sexual harassment is still more prevalent,
the humanistic perspective is making an appreciable incursion into the sexual norms of the
society. 36% score is noteworthy. This is corroborated by the findings of the World Health
Organization that in many countries, over two thirds of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years have
had sexual intercourse; that adolescents and young people accounted for disproportionate
share of STDs; that about half of all HIV infections have occurred in young people under
twenty five years old and that one fifth of peop le with AIDS are in their twenties (Omoegun
(1998).
Analysis of data generated by research question two which seeks to investigate the existence
of relationship between gender and subscription to humanistic perspective of sexual
harassment as presented in table 2 yielded a mean score of 13.62(39%) for boys and 12.94
(37%) for girls. The mean score of boys is higher than that of girls by two percent. This
tallies with the findings of Kemi Odu, Akanle,:(2006) on Sexual Behavior and the Perception
of HIV/AIDs Among Youths in South West Nigeria using 1,420 university students. He
found a significant difference in the sexual behavior of male and female which he attributed
to permissive cultural norms for males.
The result of Research question three which seeks to investigate the existence of any
relationship between age and susceptibility to humanistic perspective of sexual harassment as
depicted in table 3 yielded a mean score of 12.88 for old adolescents with mean age of 17 and
a mean score of 13.11 for younger adolescents with mean age of 13.5 . The findings show the
existence of a relationship with the younger being more susceptible. This is corroborated by
the findings of Adedoyin and Adegoke(1995) on Teenage Prostitution-child Abuse with 150
notorious female prostitutes in Illorin, Nigeria. The findings indicated that 35.5 percent of the
prostitutes began prostitution as secondary school students, before or at the age of fifteen.
This is further confirmed by the findings of Makinnwa-Adebusoye (1991) on a study of
Nigerian adolescents reproductive behavior with 2,796 females and 2,803 males in Nigeria.
The study indicated that eight percent of the sexually experienced girls and seven percent of
the boys reported that they had their first sexual intercourse when they were less than 15
years old. By the end of their teens, 72 percent of the males and about 82 percent of females
have had sexual intercourse.
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H01 : There is no significant relationship between gender and subscription to humanistic
perspective of sexual harassment.
The null hypothesis one (H01) which sought to establish the existence of a significant
relationship between gender and perspective of humanistic sexual harassment was not
rejected. The result in table 4 shows that it recorded a correlation coefficient of 0.02. which
is too low to be significant . The result tallies with the findings of Omoteso.; Adeniyi, and ;
Bada, (2010) who conducted a research on the Influence of Knowledge of HIV/AIDS on
Behavior Change with 200 university students. The findings yielded mean score of 22.52 for
males and 22.62 for females which shows that there is no significant difference in
knowledge of both male and female students about HIV/AIDs. This could be due to the
influence of women empowerment which is promoting androgynous gender roles.
H02: There is no significant relationship between age and adolescents’ susceptibility to
humanistic perspective of sexual harassment.
In testing (H02 ) only scores of fifty six students out of the sample of seventy were correlated
due to disparity in age brackets which made the initial 35 pairs classification by gender
obsolete. The null hypothesis two (H02) was not rejected. The result in table 5 shows that it
recorded a correlation coefficient of 0.01 which is too low to be significant. The findings tally
with kemi Odu & Akanle (2006) who conducted research with 1,420 undergraduates on
Sexual behavior and the perception of HIV/Aids among Youths in South West Nigeria. The
findings show no significant difference in the sexual behavior of youths whose ages are
below 21 and those above 21 years. The result is further corroborated by the findings of
Makinwa-Adebusoye (1991) on reproductive behavior of Nigerian adolescents conducted
with 5599 Nigerian adolescents. The study indicated that boys experienced their first sexual
intercourse at mean age of 16 years while that of girls was 17.4 years. Certainly age has no
significant bearing on the susceptibility to the perspective. Sexual behavior emanates from
personality variables instead of age due to variations in sexual drive and psychological needs.
Educational Implications
Although data from table 1 shows that the traditional perspective of sexual harassment is still
more prevalent, the humanistic perspective is making an appreciable incursion. 36% score is
noteworthy. The impact is more on the younger generation as confirmed by the findings of
Makinnwa-Adebusoye (1991) on Nigerian adolescents reproductive behavior which
revealed that a larger proportion of teenagers aged 12 to 19 have had their first sexual
intercourse earlier than those aged 20 to 24 years. The implication is that the current
emphasis on moral instruction and sex education should be sustained in schools. The teachers
should continue to deliver lessons in sex education in the context of the culture . The recent
decision of the government to return schools to former missionary agents should be
implemented. Missionary schools project the Judeo Christian perspective of sexual
harassment which is compatible with the traditional perspective. . This will go a long way in
neutralizing the effect of the humanistic perspective which is projected in the electronic
media on the adolescents. This is supported by the recommendations of WHO in Ezedum
(1999) that action to influence sexual behavior must stress information and education
considering the early age at which young people become sexually active.
Experience has shown that individuals are more likely to adopt safer sexual practices when
these are perceived as the norms prevailing in their peer group or community. It is thus
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Vol. 8 No. 1 July 2012
crucial to encourage the adoption , re-adoption, or retention of protective social norms such
as total abstinence, mutual lifelong fidelity, moral responsibility for not endangering others,
etc (p.37).
Implications for Counseling:
The study clearly reveals that the society is becoming more heterogenous in sexual
perspective due to Western influence. The counselor should become more magnanimous so
as to live above ethnocentricism and bigotary if he is to be of help to all regardless of their
religious or social inclinations. The counselor should widen and strengthen the information
service on sex to students to check their susceptibility to negative influences. There is need to
widen one’s knowledge of sex and its related variables to accommodate both the traditional
and the humanistic clients. The need for recognizing the uniqueness of each individual in the
counseling process cannot be overemphasized. Okafor & Nnoli (2010) advocates the
application of counseling strategy abbreviated as ― SWAT‖ technique in negotiating
abstinence with a lover. S = stands for say no effectively. W = stands for why – i.e. give a
clear reason for not engaging in a sexual behavior and stick to your conviction. A= stands for
Alternative i.e. suggest an alternative action or something else you might think is safe if you
wish to. T= stands for talk it out - discuss your feelings about the behavior and do not
compromise.
CONCLUSION
The technological global village is impacting on every aspect of human life and culture. We
may not be able to stop it but we can moderate its impact to ensure the preservation of our
cultural identity .
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