Meneroka pengalaman remaja Pulau Pinang terhadap tingkah laku seksual berfokuskan faktor sosialisasi dan keterlibatan secara langsung dalam program intervensi kaunseling

Adolescent sexual behaviour in Malaysia has become an increasingly concerning social issue, shaped by various socialisation factors. Despite its importance, research that directly explores adolescents lived experiences and their engagement in counselling processes within the local context remains limited. This study therefore aims to examine the experiences of adolescents in Penang who were involved in sexual behaviour, to investigate the influence of socialisation factors on such involvement, and to analyse their participation in counselling interventions addressing these issues. Adopting a qualitative approach, data were collected through structured interviews with eight adolescent who had committed juvenile sexual offences and were undergoing counselling interventions under Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia. The findings reveal that adolescent involvement in sexual behaviour is not solely driven by desire, but is influenced by early exposure to pornography, peer pressure, lack of knowledge and sexual education, and challenges in self-development. Socialisation agents such as family, peers, and social media were found to play crucial roles in shaping adolescents’ values and behaviours. Furthermore, counselling interventions conducted systematically through the stages of assessment, implementation, and monitoring were reported to bring positive changes in the respondents’ emotions and behaviour. This study contributes to theory by enriching the frameworks of moral development and psychoanalysis, highlighting the internal conflicts and moral awareness of adolescents. In practice, it provides guidance for counsellors in tailoring interventions to the psychosocial realities of clients. At the societal level, the study underscores the need for inclusive, humane, and responsive approaches to adolescent sexuality issues.