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Psychosocial Influences on Adolescent Sexuality and Identity in Rural Kenya
Anne Kamau
School of Public Health, University of Bielefeld, Germany
Reinhard Bornemann
School of Public Health, University of Bielefeld, Germany
Ulrich Laaser
Section of International Public Health (S-IPH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bielefeld, Germany
Abstract
This article examines the influence of psychosocial factors on adolescent sexuality and identity in Kenya. It focuses on male circumcision, peer and parental relationships.
The article is based on a study which investigated factors influencing access and utilisation of preventive reproductive health services by adolescents in Murang'a District, Kenya. Structured interviews were conducted with 113 in-school adolescents. Findings show that adolescents held sexuality myths. They lacked understanding about circumcision and maturation on physical changes they experienced. They yielded to negative peer pressure because of myths and threats following circumcision, fear of alienation, feeling like outcasts, and desire for acceptance.
Despite this, adolescents feared to share their sexual health concerns with their parents because of fear of parents' suspicion. We conclude that psychosocial factors influence adolescents sexual behaviour. Adolescents are in a stage where they seek identity and acceptance, approval and not suspicion, to be understood and not to be judged.
Keywords
sociology, adolescent sexuality, psychosocial concerns, circumcision, identity, Kenya
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