The Relationship Between Self-Control and Religiosity with Adolescent Sexual Behavior at SMAN 2 Kudus

Abstract

Adolescence involves biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that may influence sexual behavior. This study examined the separate associations of self-control and religiosity with sexual behavior among students at SMAN 2 Kudus. A quantitative descriptive-correlational study with a cross-sectional design involved a population of 1,178 students in grades X–XII. Proportional random sampling selected 299 students: 100 from grade X, 100 from grade XI, and 99 from grade XII. Data were collected using four-point Likert questionnaires comprising 10 self-control items, 10 religiosity items, and 15 sexual-behavior items. Questionnaire scores were categorized as low or high for self-control and religiosity and risky or non-risky for sexual behavior using the study’s cut-off procedure. Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-Square test at α = 0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 16.08 ± 0.797 years, and 152 (50.8%) were female. Low self-control was identified in 154 students (51.5%), low religiosity in 255 (85.3%), and non-risky sexual behavior in 161 (53.8%). Self-control was significantly associated with sexual behavior (χ²(1) = 81.627, p < 0.001), as was religiosity (χ²(1) = 16.243, p < 0.001). All expected cell counts exceeded five. These findings indicate separate statistical associations within this sample. However, the cross-sectional design does not establish temporal direction, causality, or protective effects. Interpretation should consider questionnaire classification, self-reported responses, and the single-school setting when assessing applicability to other adolescent populations.