Project – The Effect of Biblical Counselling on Teenage Sexual Behaviour and Purity in Contemporary Society.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Adolescence is a critical stage in human development characterized by rapid physical, emotional, psychological, social, and moral changes. It is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood in which individuals develop identity, values, behavioural patterns, and moral reasoning. During this period, teenagers are highly influenced by family upbringing, peer groups, school environment, media exposure, and religious teachings. Because adolescents are still undergoing developmental formation, they are particularly vulnerable to risky and experimental behaviours, including sexual experimentation and moral deviation (Omede, 2018).

Teenage sexual behaviour has become one of the most significant social and public health concerns in contemporary society. Research indicates that many adolescents engage in early sexual activity, often influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, exposure to sexual content, and weak parental supervision. Studies in Nigeria show that early sexual initiation is common among secondary school students and is associated with teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and school dropout (Okonta, 2025). Furthermore, exposure to sexual information through social media and peers has been identified as a strong predictor of risky sexual behaviour among adolescents (Osadolor et al., 2022).

Sexual purity, on the other hand, refers to abstaining from premarital sexual activities and maintaining moral and spiritual discipline in sexual conduct. In Christian doctrine, sexual purity is considered a core moral value, emphasizing self-control and holiness. Biblical teachings such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 and 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 emphasize avoidance of sexual immorality and the need for bodily sanctity. Despite these teachings, modern society is increasingly characterized by moral decline, exposure to explicit media content, and weakening of traditional values, which contribute to the erosion of sexual purity among teenagers (Wusu, 2011).

Religion and spirituality have been identified as strong protective factors against risky adolescent sexual behaviour. Studies show that religiosity and religious counselling are associated with reduced sexual activity, delayed sexual debut, and improved moral decision-making among youths (Wusu, 2011; Odimegwu et al., 2019). Similarly, religious-based guidance has been found to influence adolescents’ behavioural choices, particularly when reinforced through counselling and mentorship structures within religious institutions (Ogunsanmi et al., 2023).

Biblical counselling is a faith-based counselling approach that integrates psychological principles with biblical teachings to guide individuals toward moral, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It emphasizes scriptural instruction, prayer, mentoring, and value reorientation as tools for behaviour modification. Biblical counselling is particularly relevant in addressing sexual behaviour among adolescents because it promotes abstinence, discipline, and moral accountability. According to Esere (2008), counselling and sex education interventions are effective in shaping adolescent sexual behaviour when properly implemented in school environments.

In Nigeria, adolescents are increasingly exposed to sexualized environments, especially in urban centres such as Abuja. Studies show that peer influence, lack of parental communication, and exposure to pornography significantly contribute to early sexual debut among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (Okonta, 2025). Similarly, adolescent sexual behaviour is influenced by weak moral guidance and inadequate sexuality education in schools (Osadolor et al., 2022).

Counselling interventions such as peer counselling, cognitive restructuring, and behavioural modification have been found effective in reducing risky sexual behaviour among adolescents (Oyediran & Williams, 2024). However, despite these interventions, sexual immorality among teenagers persists, suggesting that conventional counselling approaches may not be sufficient to address the moral and spiritual dimensions of sexual behaviour.

Biblical counselling therefore presents an alternative approach that focuses not only on behavioural change but also on moral transformation. It seeks to align adolescent behaviour with biblical principles of purity, discipline, and self-control. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the specific effect of biblical counselling on teenage sexual behaviour and sexual purity, particularly in secondary schools in Asokoro, Abuja. This creates a gap in literature which this study intends to fill.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Teenage sexual behaviour has become a growing concern in Nigerian secondary schools due to its increasing prevalence and negative consequences. Many adolescents engage in premarital sexual activities, which expose them to risks such as unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, emotional distress, and school dropout (Okonta, 2025). Studies have shown that a significant proportion of adolescents initiate sexual activity at an early age, often due to peer pressure and exposure to sexual content (Osadolor et al., 2022).

In many secondary schools, students face increasing exposure to peer influence, social media, and romantic relationships that encourage early sexual experimentation. Research has established that adolescents who lack adequate parental guidance and moral supervision are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour (Ogunsanmi et al., 2023). Despite the presence of counselling services in schools, teenage sexual misconduct continues to rise, suggesting that existing interventions may not be fully effective.

Although sex education and behavioural counselling programmes exist, they often focus mainly on biological and psychological aspects of sexuality, with limited emphasis on moral and spiritual values. This gap may reduce their effectiveness in promoting sexual purity among adolescents. Religious and biblical counselling, which emphasizes moral discipline and abstinence, has been suggested as a more holistic approach to addressing adolescent sexual behaviour (Esere, 2008).

However, despite the potential of biblical counselling, there is limited empirical evidence on its effectiveness in influencing teenage sexual behaviour and promoting sexual purity among secondary school students in Asokoro, Abuja. This lack of evidence-based evaluation creates uncertainty about its actual impact in school settings.

Therefore, the problem of this study is that teenage sexual immorality continues to increase among secondary school students despite existing counselling and moral education programmes, and the effectiveness of biblical counselling in promoting sexual purity has not been adequately examined in Asokoro, Abuja.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of biblical counselling on teenage sexual behaviour and sexual purity among secondary school students in Asokoro, Abuja.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine factors influencing teenage sexual behaviour among secondary school students.
2. Identify the role of biblical counselling in shaping adolescents’ sexual attitudes.
3. Determine the effect of biblical counselling on sexual purity among teenagers.
4. Investigate challenges affecting the effectiveness of biblical counselling in schools.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What factors influence teenage sexual behaviour among secondary school students in Asokoro?
2. How does biblical counselling influence adolescents’ sexual attitudes?
3. What effect does biblical counselling have on teenage sexual purity?
4. What challenges affect the implementation of biblical counselling in schools?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho₁: There is no significant relationship between biblical counselling and teenage sexual behaviour and sexual purity among secondary school students in Asokoro, Abuja.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to students, counsellors, teachers, parents, religious leaders, and educational administrators. It will help students understand the importance of sexual purity and the consequences of risky sexual behaviour.

School counsellors will benefit by gaining insight into how biblical counselling can be used to improve students’ moral and sexual behaviour. Teachers will better understand how moral and spiritual influences affect student behaviour.

Parents will understand the importance of moral upbringing and communication in guiding adolescent sexual behaviour. Religious institutions will use the findings to strengthen youth counselling and mentorship programmes.

Policy makers and school administrators may use the findings to improve counselling frameworks and integrate moral-based approaches into student guidance systems.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the effect of biblical counselling on teenage sexual behaviour and sexual purity among students in five selected secondary schools in Asokoro, Abuja. It covers SS1–SS3 students and examines behavioural, moral, and counselling-related factors.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Biblical Counselling: A counselling approach that uses biblical teachings to guide moral and behavioural development.

Teenage Sexual Behaviour: Sexual activities or tendencies exhibited by adolescents aged 13–19 years.

Sexual Purity: Abstinence from premarital sexual activity and maintenance of moral sexual discipline.

Counselling: A professional helping process aimed at guiding individuals toward emotional and behavioural adjustment.

Secondary School Students: Adolescents enrolled in SS1–SS3 in formal secondary education.

Project – The Effect of Biblical Counselling on Teenage Sexual Behaviour and Purity in Contemporary Society.