AFRIKAANS: Die behoefte aan 'n instrument, om die seksuele kennis, - houding en - gedrag van adolessente te assesseer ten einde 'n teikengerigte seksuele voorligtingsprogram te ontwikkel, is vanuit die literatuur geïdentifiseer. Die doel van hierdie studie was dus om 'n nie-gestandardiseerde maatskaplike assesseringsinstument te ontwikkel wat die seksuele kennis, - houding en - gedrag van adolessente kan assesseer. 'n Kwantitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is gevolg met intervensie navorsing as die soort navorsing ter sprake. Die navorsingsprosedure en werkwyse was aan die hand van Rothman en Thomas (1994:28) se intervensie ontwerp en ontwikkelingsmodel se fases hanteer. Die volgende fases word in die model onderskei: (1) Probleemanalise en projekbeplanning, (2) Insameling van data en sintesevorming, (3) Ontwerp, (4) Vroeë ontwikkeling en voorlopige toetsing, (5) Evaluasie en gevorderde ontwikkeling, en (6) Disseminasie. Dit was van kardinale belang om die studie vanuit 'n spesifieke teoretiese raamwerk te benader. Na aanleiding van die kompleksiteit van seksualiteit is van 'n multi-teoretiese benadering gebruik gemaak. Die egosielkundige teorie van Erikson en die sisteemteorie is gebruik. Die rede waarom die egosielkundige teorie van Erikson hierby ingesluit is, is omdat dit die adolessentefase in konteks plaas binne die totale lewensloop van die mens. Die sisteemteorie verduidelik weer die kompleksiteit van seksualiteit in terme van die verhouding tussen die sisteme, en die elemente binne die adolessentsisteem. Die universum van hierdie studie was graad 8, 9 en 10 leerlinge van twee skole in Pretoria wie se ouers toestemming verleen het om aan die studie deel te neem. Aangesien al die respondente nie by die ondersoek betrek kon word nie, is 'n steekproef van 320 respondente by wyse van 'n proporsioneel gestratifiseerde ewekansige steekproeftrekking gekombineerd met sistemiese steekproeftrekking geselekteer. Die respondente het 'n self¬geadministreerde vraelys (assesseringsinstrument) voltooi. Deur die benutting van die nie-¬gestandardiseerde assesseringsinstrument kon die navorser daarin slaag om 'n profiel van die adolessent se seksuele kennis, - houding en - gedrag saam te stel. Voortspruitend hieruit kon gevolgtrekkings gemaak word, en aan die hand daarvan is aanbevelings gedoen rakende die inhoud van die nie-gestandaardiseerde assesseringsinstrument, die ontwikkeling van moontlike seksuele voorligtingsprogramme, asook verdere navorsing. ENGLISH: The need for an instrument that will assess the sexual knowledge, - attitude and - behaviour of the adolescent which could be used in developing a specific sexual programme for adolescent, was identified. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop a non-standardised social work assessment tool to assess the sexual knowledge, - attitude and - behaviour of the adolescent. A quantitative research approach with intervention research as the type of research was followed. The research procedures that were followed were according to the phases of the intervention design and development model of Rothman and Thomas (1994:28). The following phases can be identified in this model: (1) Problem analyse and project planning, (2) Data gathering and synthesis formulation (3) Design, (4) Early development and pilot testing, (5) Evaluation and advanced development, and (6) Dissemination. It was also important to address the study from a specific theoretical framework. Sexuality is very complex and therefore a multi-theoretical approach was used namely the ego psychological theory of Erikson and the system theory. The theory of Erikson was used due to the fact that it explains adolescence in context of the total life cycle of mankind. The system theory explains the complexity of sexuality in terms of the relationship between systems and the elements of the adolescent as a system. The universum of this study was grade 8, 9 en 10 pupils of two schools in Pretoria whose parents gave permission to participate in this study. Since not all of the respondents could participate in this study, a sample of320 respondents was selected through proportional stratificational random sampling combined with. systematic sampling. The respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire (assessment tool). The result of the utilisation of this non-standardised social work assessment tool was a profile of the adolescent's sexual knowledge, - attitude and - behaviour. Conclusions were made and resulted in recommendations regarding the content of this non-standardised social work assessment tool, the development of possible sexual programmes for adolescents, and further research that could be conducted in future. / Dissertation (MA (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Thesis (M. A. (Sociology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / Contemporary moral panic about adolescents centres on their sexual behaviour, as being irresponsible, disrespectful to adults, easily addicted and indulging in unsafe sex. With this concern, parents are noted to play a vital role in supervising, monitoring, guiding, advising and addressing adolescents’ risky sexual behaviour. Adolescents are influenced by a variety of factors and institutions; hence the study explored one of the factors, ‘parents’ involvement’. The study sought to find out parents’ perceptions on involvement, what it means and how involvement can be effective. The aim of the study was to explore parents’ involvement in addressing adolescents’ sexual behaviour in Mankweng Township, Limpopo Province. The study comprised ten parents (five males and five females) who were purposely selected. Data was conducted over the course of three days, through semi-structured interviews. Thematic data analysis method was used to analyse data collected and to have final results. The findings revealed that parents are much aware of adolescents’ sexual behaviour, parents’ role and responsibility when it comes to protecting adolescents. However, a common trend was found from all parents, which was lack of understanding of parental involvement; where all participants only limited parental involvement to sexual communication and giving advice; with that they bear uncomforting belief that sexual communication will lead adolescents to sexual behaviour. Moreover, it was evident that parents have challenges to parental involvement such as peer pressure, media, fear and respect. Intervention such as parental programmes, health, religion and education; campaigns and community gatherings were noted as effective method that should the initiated to educate and improve parents’ involvement in addressing adolescents’ sexual behaviour. Keywords: Parent, adolescent, involvement, risky sexual behaviour.

Early engagement in sexual activities amongst adolescents has become a worldwide concern, with studies finding them to begin as early as 12 or earlier (Booysen & Summerton, 2000; Dowsett & Aggleton, 1999). The behaviour becomes even more concerning when youths engage in sexual relationships which are considered as “risky”, that is, that put their health and wellbeing in danger. According to Trends (2010), such behaviour increases one’s risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, this study investigated risky sexual behaviours amongst adolescents living in the rural areas. The motivation was twofold, namely: to change the behaviours and to strengthen school sexuality education programme. The study aligned itself to qualitative paradigm and adopted a case study design. Data was collected using focus interviews with 20 adolescents (10 boys and 10 girls) in the age range of 15-17 years, who were selected following purposive sampling. The findings revealed adolescents’ tendencies of engaging in risky sexual behaviours such as: sexual relationship with older people, involvement with multiple partners, unstable relationship, pornography, sex in exchange of money. Factors contributing to these behaviours include: limited sexuality education, parents not teaching about sexuality education, lack of good role models, poverty, and fear to disclose problems to teachers, ostentatious lifestyles, peer pressure, and myths about sex. Suggestions put forth for preventing involving risky sexual behaviours include: appropriate school programmes, good learner-teacher relationship, effective communication with parents, strengthening of the learning content of Life Orientation, discipline at home, good friends, closing down of illegal taverns, illegalising sex with young boys and girls and restricting access to pornography on the internet. In conclusion, I suggest that the problem be addressed ecosystematically. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Early engagement in sexual activities amongst adolescents has become a worldwide concern, with studies finding them to begin as early as 12 or earlier (Booysen & Summerton, 2000; Dowsett & Aggleton, 1999). The behaviour becomes even more concerning when youths engage in sexual relationships which are considered as “risky”, that is, that put their health and wellbeing in danger. According to Trends (2010), such behaviour increases one’s risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, this study investigated risky sexual behaviours amongst adolescents living in the rural areas. The motivation was twofold, namely: to change the behaviours and to strengthen school sexuality education programme. The study aligned itself to qualitative paradigm and adopted a case study design. Data was collected using focus interviews with 20 adolescents (10 boys and 10 girls) in the age range of 15-17 years, who were selected following purposive sampling. The findings revealed adolescents’ tendencies of engaging in risky sexual behaviours such as: sexual relationship with older people, involvement with multiple partners, unstable relationship, pornography, sex in exchange of money. Factors contributing to these behaviours include: limited sexuality education, parents not teaching about sexuality education, lack of good role models, poverty, and fear to disclose problems to teachers, ostentatious lifestyles, peer pressure, and myths about sex. Suggestions put forth for preventing involving risky sexual behaviours include: appropriate school programmes, good learner-teacher relationship, effective communication with parents, strengthening of the learning content of Life Orientation, discipline at home, good friends, closing down of illegal taverns, illegalising sex with young boys and girls and restricting access to pornography on the internet. In conclusion, I suggest that the problem be addressed ecosystematically. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Thesis (MCur)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research and in certain instances the lack of research as well as extensive experience of the researcher in this field of study convinced the researcher that a scientific study / exploration is critical on the different aspects of adolescent sexual health. A study, based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods (triangulation), was conducted to identify and describe the factors playing a role in adolescents’ experiencing problems in maintaining their sexual health. Adolescents are at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases including HIV/AIDS because of their sexual behaviour. Initiation of early sexual relations contributing to possible multiple sexual partners and failure to consistently use condoms contribute to this risk. Failure to continuously use a reliable contraceptive method also enhances the risk of unintended pregnancies and consequent exposure to the risks involved in termination of pregnancy or the psychological effects of giving the baby up for adoption, the hardship of raising the baby as a single parent or being forced to marry at a young age. Thus the physical-, emotional-, and social well being of the adolescent is at risk when they are not equipped to maintain their sexual health.The study concludes that adolescents that are sexually active and have multiple sexual partners have a higher probability of not maintaining their sexual health. Based on the outcome of this study the researcher feels strongly that the following needs to be addressed in order to promote the maintenance of adolescent sexual health: • Professional nurses need to be trained and sensitized to guide and manage adolescents seeking sexual or reproductive advice; • Sexuality programmes need to be integrated into school curricula; • Positive use of the mass media to promote healthy lifestyles; and • Training programmes for parents and adolescents. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsing en in sekere gevalle die gebrek daaraan sowel as ekstensiewe ondervinding van die navorser in die studieveld, het die navorser oortuig dat ‘n wetenskaplike studie / eksplorasie oor die veskillende aspekte van adolessente seksuele gesondheid krities was. ‘n Studie, gebaseer op ‘n kombinasie van kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe metodes (triangulasie), was uitgevoer om die faktore wat ‘n rol speel in adolessente se vermoëns om hul seksuele gesondheid te handhaaf, te identifiseer en te bepreek. Adolessente se risiko is hoog om Seksueel Oordraagbare siektes, insluitend MIV/VIGS, op te doen weens hul seksuele gedrag. Die aanvang van vroeë seksuele verhoudings dra by tot moontlike meervoudige seksmaats en die gebrek aan konsekwente gebruik van kondome verhoog die risiko. Gebrek aan die aaneenlopende gebruik van ‘n betroubare kontraseptiewe metode verhoog ook die risiko van ‘n ongewensde swangerskap en gevolglike blootstelling aan die risiko’s verbonde aan terminasie van swangerskap of die psigologiese effekte wat gepaard gaan met aanneming, enkel ouerskap en geforseerde trou op ‘n vroeë ouderdom. Derhalwe word die fisiese-, emosionele- en sosiale welsyn van die adolessent bedreig as hulle nie toegerus is om hul seksuele gesondheid te handhaaf nie.Die gevolgtrekking van die studie is dat adolessente wat seksueel aktief is en meervoudige seksmaats het, ‘n hoër waarskynlikheid het om nie hul seksuele gesondheid te handhaaf nie. Gebaseer op die uitkoms van die studie is die navorser van mening dat die volgende aangespreek moet word ten einde die handhawing van adolessente seksuele gesondheid te bevorder: • Geregistreerde vepleegkundiges moet opgelei en gesensitiseer word om adolessente te hanteer en van leiding te voorsien; • Seksualitiet programme moet in die skool kurrikulum integreer word; • Positiewe gebruik van die massa media om gesonde lewenstyle te bevorder; en • Opleidingsprogramme vir ouers en adolessente.

The study considered the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families that usually affects the adolescents in South Africa. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families, determining the causal factors of sexual promiscuous behaviour and effects of promiscuity. The area of investigation was Qora Village which is in a small town called Idutywa, Eastern Cape. This is an area that is characterised by poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. The sample was comprised of 50 participants and the study was conducted in two phases using mixed methods approach. Social exchange theory underpinned the study. Findings highlighted that these child headed adolescents had a role of caregivers and due to poverty they practiced risky sexual behaviour to bridge the economic gap. Furthermore, teenagers living in child headed families were likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour with people who are older than them; others are forced and coerced; while others perceive such act as a better option to bridge the economic gap that existed within their family backgrounds.

The most widespread intervention in South Africa into the sexualities of young people is school based sexuality education. However there is a dearth of research in this area, and studies that have been conducted highlight major weaknesses with implementation. Research from Western countries indicates that the messages conveyed in sexuality education are resisted if they conflict with the desired sexual subjectivities of young people. This indicates a need for further research into desired youth sexualities, and school based sexuality education. While South African studies of young people‘s talk about sexualities have been conducted, there is a paucity of literature in this area from a discursive perspective. This study is situated within a feminist post-structuralist paradigm, utilising a performative-performance analytical approach which synthesises Butlerian theory with a narrative-discursive methodology. This approach enables an analysis of both the macro-discursive power webs within which sexualities are situated, and the micro-discursive activity through which sexual subject positions are constructed. I used this approach to analyse the talk of groups of students from a Further Education and Training College about the sexualities of High School learners and their own past sexuality education. Findings showed that that the most dominant discursive resources which were utilised to construct sexualities were societal sexual norms discourses. These foundational discourses constructed gendered sexualities of compulsory hyper-heterosex for men, and compulsory compliant girlfriendhood for women. Such gendered sexualities reinforced patriarchal and abusive gendered and sexual practices. Ways in which participants troubled the dominant gendered sexualities through the performance of alternative sexual positions were analysed, as these 'troubling' performances indicate mutable aspects of the normative gendered field. Participants drew on a discourse of disconnect when talking about their school sexuality education, and their parents‘ (lack of) communication with them about sex. This suggests that adultist attempts to construct a 'responsible' sexual subject position for young people are resisted when such a position is constructed in a non-relational manner. Collusion between the constructed gendered sexualities and the discourse of disconnect results in the un-performability of a 'responsible' sexual subject position. These findings were used to provide suggestions for enhancing school based sexuality interventions.

The researcher observed a high incidence of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and abortions, including illegal abortions among adolescents in the Maluti Sub-District in the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher noted when speaking to the adolescents about contraceptives that they appeared to have a lack of knowledge as well as some misconceptions about contraceptives. The study therefore explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents regarding contraceptives. To achieve the purpose of this study, a quantitative, explorative and descriptive survey was used to conduct this study. The research population in this study comprised all Grade 11 and 12 female adolescents enrolled at the selected senior secondary schools in the Maluti Sub-District. Simple random sampling was used to select the research sample. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with the help of a statistician to analyse the data. A pilot study was conducted prior to the actual study being conducted, using the same design and research methods. The study findings revealed that participants had a low level of knowledge about contraceptive methods and there were some misconceptions regarding contraceptives prevailing among the participants. More than half (54%) of the participants are currently sexually active and less than a third of the participants indicated that they were using contraceptives The study concludes with recommendations for nursing practice, education and research. Ethical principles have been maintained throughout the study.

Thesis (LLM. (Development and Management Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / In South Africa, the concept of virginity testing has been under the spotlight because of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 partially legalising it. Section 12 thereof, provides for the testing to be performed on both male and female children over the age of sixteen with their informed consent. It has also been revived as a Zulu custom which gained momentum in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This custom is, however, in contrast to the approach highlighted in the Act, since it targets only the girl child and mostly without her informed consent. Although a girl’s virginity is said to bring honour to her family, it also comes with inherent risks, since, in African societies, the myth that sex with a virgin, or a girl-child can cure AIDS, is prevalent. This dissertation examines, from a human rights perspective, the concept of virginity testing and related procedures/ provisions, the role and function of the virginity testers, as well as expectations/experience of the participants (the girls tested). The study asserts that the practice of virginity testing is a violation of human rights, strips the girl of her dignity, represents an invasion of bodily privacy and leads to degradation and humiliation. Virginity testing, according to this study, leads to limitation of rights and unfairly discriminates against the girls tested and cannot be justified in terms of the limitation clause, as provided by section 36 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. As part of the comparative study, the analysis of the position in Senegal, regarding the successful abolishment of a similar discriminatory cultural practice, provides lessons on how both the South African government and NGO’s can work towards law reform in order to address the problem of virginity testing.

M.A. (Research Consultation) / Adolescent and sexual reproductive health has been identified as among the most important health and development priorities by the South African development (Department of Health, 1995; African National Congress, 1994). The South African government, like many governments in the sub-Saharan region view with concern the region’s rapid population growth and high birth rates particularly among adolescents. This study investigated the perceptions of young mothers regarding teenage pregnancy. Eight participants who live in Vredendal, a predominantly Coloured area in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, were selected for interviewing using convenient sampling. Transcripts of unstructured interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study suggest that young mothers initially perceive teenage pregnancy negatively. These perceptions progressively changes to a positive one. Furthermore, the results indicate a limited awareness of available preventative interventions. Results further show participants tend to experience their relationships with significant others as positive. / Psychology