Email this article READINESS FOR EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY IN NORTH SUMATRA
Abstract
Adolescent pregnancy outside of marriage, often termed marriage by accident, is a pressing issue in Indonesia. Cultural norms and social pressures frequently lead pregnant adolescents to enter early marriages, often before they are emotionally or financially prepared. This study explores the lived experiences of adolescent girls who became pregnant outside of marriage and subsequently entered early marriages, focusing on how they perceive their readiness for marital and parental responsibilities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 adolescent girls aged 15–19 in Pematangsiantar and Simalungun, North Sumatra. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, supported by NVivo 12 for coding and theme identification. Five major themes emerged: emotional instability and psychological confusion; perceived financial unpreparedness; forced adaptation to adult roles; dependency on parental support; and conflicted hopes for the future. These findings highlight the adolescents’ limited autonomy and unpreparedness in navigating early marriage and motherhood, compounded by social stigma and family expectations. Early marriage resulting from adolescent pregnancy often does not reflect the readiness of the individuals involved. Instead, it reinforces emotional stress, economic dependency, and role conflict. The study underscores the urgent need for adolescent-responsive health services, gender-transformative community programs, and comprehensive.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30829/jgsims.v6i1.20888
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