1.1 Background of the Study
Adolescence is commonly referred to as the period of development between being a child and becoming an adult. The traditional range for this has been between the ages of 12 and 18, which coincides with the time between the start of puberty (i.e., certain hormonal changes) and parental independence (i.e., the legal meaning of "adulthood" in many countries) (Javorska & McQueen, 2015).
However, The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) describes an adolescent as someone between 10 and 19 years of age. Casey et al. (2008) suggested that it should be thought of as a formative stage rather than a moment in time because it is so dynamic in behavior and development.
Adolescence is now more broadly defined to include early adulthood, which is typically defined as being between the ages of 18 and 25. Although this includes some of the neural changes that take place after the age of 18, it poses difficulties for clinical approaches to adolescents and the laws that govern them. Additionally, it makes it more difficult to research and treat young people during this time due to the glaring differences between the brains, behavioral profiles, and social demands and roles of a typically developing 12-year-old and a 24-year-old. The prolongation of adolescence, a biological and sociological occurrence, is consistent with the expanded meaning of adolescence (Dahl, 2004; Jaworska and MacQueen, 2015).
Researchers studying human development have repeatedly noted that this second decade of life is a period of dramatic change characterized by a period of rapid physical growth, hormonal changes, cognitive development and expanding analytic capability. It is also a period of emotional growth, self-discovery, increasing independence, and active participation in a more complex social environment. This has an impact on their emotions, thoughts, decisions, and interactions with others and the environment around them (WHO, 2023).
During this phase, adolescents develop behavioral patterns that can either protect their health and the health of those around them now and in the future, depending on how they choose to behave in relation to things like diet, physical activity, substance use, and sexual activity. These behavioral changes take place in the context of developmental modifications that are affected by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors that prompt and enhance behaviours (Jaworska and MacQueen, 2015: WHO, 2023).
Adolescent sexual behavior is important because the global population of sexually active adolescents is increasing (WHO, 2011). While initiating sexual activity is normal and having healthy sexuality is crucial for adolescent growth (Pringle et al., 2017; Vasilenko et al., 2015), it may also be linked to adverse outcomes. This raises serious concerns, particularly if the behavior involves engaging in sexual activity too young or without sufficient attention given to (Pringle et al., 2017).
According to Sully et al. (2020), approximately 21 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant worldwide each year. Simultaneously, over 50% of them give birth, excluding an extra 777,000 teenagers under the age of 15 who give birth in developing nations. The health risks and subsequent difficulties brought on by adolescents' sexual behaviors and lifestyles are significant. Over 3.9 million females between the ages of 15 and 19 are said to have unsafe abortions each year. According to other research, young individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 make up about 4% of those living with HIV (Uyi et al. 2022).
Although there are not many adolescents in Africa, the sub-Saharan area of Africa has the highest percentage of adolescents, accounting for roughly 23% of people in the region between the ages of 10 and 19. Odeigah et al. (2019) who conducted research in Sub-Saharan African nations discovered that adolescent sexual activity is defined by a high prevalence of premarital, frequently multiple, brief, and casual relationships as well as inconsistent, incorrect, or non-use of contraceptive devices. There is ample proof that a high percentage of teenagers engage in various types of sexual behavior, including masturbation, kissing, petting, coitus sex, and breast and genital fondling (Makinde, 2021).
After abstinence, masturbation is the most prevalent adolescent sexual activity (Fortenberry et al., 2013). Masturbation is defined as the act of stimulating one's genitalia through rubbing, stroking, pressing, folding, or other types of manipulation to elicit climax (Kabbash, 2017).
Males almost always engage in masturbation, according to studies of older adolescents and adults (Robbins et al., 2011). In a study done in Spain, boys aged 9 to 10 years, 11 to 12, and 13 to 14 years were found to have masturbation rates of 8.3%46.7%, and 87.3%, respectively. No girls under the age of 13 reported masturbation, and the incidence among girls aged 13 to 14 was only 19%. (Arnal and Llario, 2006).
In an Australian survey, 42% of females and 58% of males between the ages of 15 and 18 reported having at least one lifetime masturbation episode. Another study revealed that 25% of women and 53% of men started masturbating by the age of 13 years. Additionally, in a recent national sample of sexual behaviors in the United State, among 14 to 17-year-old teenagers, masturbation was more prevalent than any other partnered sexual behavior (Robbins et al., 2011).
By the age of 16, 90% of boys and 60% of girls in the United States have engaged in masturbation, which is a common practice among young teenagers. Girls tend to masturbate much less frequently than boys, who usually do so five times per week (Spielberger, 2004).
In Nigeria, masturbation has reportedly become very common among university students. The prevalence and frequency of masturbation was 94% for males and 65% for female students, according to the findings of a study done in Nigeria with 500 university students (Teezed, 2018).
For adolescents, there is a dearth of information. The ages and circumstances of the onset of masturbation, as well as the significant gender differences found among adolescents in Nigeria, are not prospectively dated in any data. But a study of sexually active teenagers in Anambra State found that 74.1% of them engaged in vaginal/penile sex, 16.7% in masturbation, 6.7% in oral sex, and 2.5% in anal sex.
Despite the fact that modern medical views regard masturbation as developmentally normal, health-neutral, if not health-enhancing, it still faces significant social and religious opposition.
Although there are advantages to masturbation, excessive amounts of it may be harmful. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of adolescence masturbation in Nigeria.
1.2 Aim of the Study
The study is aimed at ascertaining the effect of masturbation on adolescence in Nigeria
1.3 Objectives of the study
The study had the following specific objectives:
- To draw conclusions about the effects of masturbation on adolescence in Nigeria
- To determine the elements that might be used to describe how masturbation and its effects relate
- To identify approaches to addressing this issue with adolescents
1.4 Statement of the problem
According to research and anecdotal evidence, masturbation, which is a form of sexual stimulation, can help people relax, feel pleasure and enjoyment, relieve cramps, release sexual tension, improve mood, relieve anxiety and depression, and relieve stress. It can also help people sleep better, relieve stress, and boost mood (Ajmera, 2022).
Since masturbation is a self-determined and accessible method of obtaining bodily pleasure, one would anticipate that frequent sexual self-gratification would lead to higher sexual satisfaction. The opposite, however, has been discovered by numerous studies to be (Ayalon et al., 2019; Lee et al., 2016; Rowland et al., 2020; Velten and Margraf, 2017).
Masturbation becomes an issue, particularly if it is overdone and can result in hypersexuality or sexual addiction, which can cause behavioral disorders like interfering with social interactions. Masturbation leads to sex addiction, which is linked to inappropriate behavioral reactions and can have severe long-term negative effects on functioning (Shavega, 2020).
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, loneliness, poor self-esteem, insecure attachment behaviors, and experiential avoidance are all associated with excessive masturbation (Dhufaar et al. 2014; Dwulit and Rzmski, 2019; Lewin et al., 2012). Many adolescents who engage in excessive masturbation run a higher risk of developing mental illnesses, according to Kamkar and Jabarian's 2007 study.
Additionally, excessive masturbation has been linked to early ejaculation, frequent scratching, infertility, forgetfulness, rage, and loneliness (Shekarey et al., 2011; Dwulit and Rzmski, 2019). According to additional research, an adolescent who engages in compulsive masturbation runs the risk of experiencing guilt, humiliation, and anger as well as self-isolation, all of which can contribute to a lack of confidence as they get older.
1.5 Justification of the Study
While experts emphasize the benefits of masturbation, there are some prevalent but unfounded fears about the practice. What's worse? Its impact on adolescence, particularly in Nigeria, is underreported because the topic is challenging to research due to the stigma attached to it. The main goal of this research is to understand how masturbation affects adolescence in Nigeria.
The results of this research will be helpful to students, professors, and medical professionals. The analysis provided in this study will provide important information for subsequent research because there are no precedents to draw upon.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study covers the effect of masturbation among Nigerian adolescents. Data for the study will be obtained from adolescents in Nigerian, aged 15-19 years in the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
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