International Journal of Educational Research and Information Science 2014; 1(4): 43-47 Published online November 30, 2014 (http://www.openscienceonline.com/journal/eris) Sexuality education and counselling—Insights from a survey of peer influence on adolescent university students’ sexuality Nsisong A. Udoh * , Imoh B. Ekott Department of Educational Foundations, Guidance and Counselling, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria Email address nsisong99@yahoo.com (N. A. Udoh) To cite this article Nsisong A. Udoh, Imoh B. Ekott. Sexuality Education and Counselling—Insights from a Survey of Peer Influence on Adolescent University Students’ Sexuality. International Journal of Educational Research and Information Science. Vol. 1, No. 4, 2014, pp. 43-47. Abstract This article is an attempt to alert sexuality educators and counsellors to the viability of peer association as machinery for propagating sexual ideals and mores. The study reported here examined the influence of peers on the sexuality of adolescents in public universities. The study utilised the ex post facto survey design; a randomised sample of 1,580 adolescent students; and the Tertiary Institution Students’ Sexuality Questionnaire to answer the question: How do peer groups influence the sexuality of adolescent students in public universities in Akwa Ibom State? Analysis of the data collected showed that peers have a persuasive influence on the sexuality of adolescent students in the public universities surveyed. Based on the dynamics of peer influence discussed from the findings, the researchers recommended among other things that peer counselling and peer education on sexuality should be designed and utilised in programmes of sexuality education. This will allow peers to positively influence peers to adopt healthy pro-social sexual mores and ideals and thus forestall sexual maladjustment among adolescents in public universities. Keywords Sex, Sexuality, Adolescence, Adolescents, University Students, Sex Education, Peer Counselling, Peer Education, Peer Influence, Peer Group 1. Introduction Peer group is not a formal social institution with legal definition and formally ascribed functions. Yet, its influence on the development of adolescents is persuasive and pervasive transcending all aspects of adolescents’ development, especially behavioural development (Yeh, 2006). According to Chauhan (2007), the fast-paced transition experienced during adolescence and the developmental upheavals occasioned by adjustment to the myriad of standards set by peers often result in ‘disequilibrium in the personality’ of the adolescent. This notwithstanding, adolescents have been found to exhibit a strong affinity for peer acceptance and thus, not wanting to risk peer rejection, these adolescents tend to conform to the ideals and standards of whatever peer group they are accepted in; so long as they feel secure and supported (Dewey, 2008; Welsh, Grello, & Harper, 2003; King, Iacono, & McGue, 2004). Generally, peers play a key role in exerting both positive and negative influence on each other. In the aspect of sexuality, it has been observed that adolescents in public universities tend to exhibit identical sexual dispositions and behaviour. Though peer influence may not totally explain sexual behavioural homogeneity, evidence from literature shows that such behavioural homogeneity may occur over time through acquaintance with peers who share similar sexual ideals and cravings (Kotchick, Shaffer, Forehand, Miller, 2001; Little & Rankin, 2001; Martin, Ruchkin, Caminis, Vermeiren, Henrich, & Schwab-Stone, 2005; Potard, Courtois, & Rusch, 2008; Whitbeck, Yoder, Hoyt, & Conger, 1999). Within the university community, it is commonly observed that the pressure on adolescent students to conform to the sexuality of their peers is very pervasive. Oftentimes, these students are literally urged by their peers to pursue sexual