The Experiences of Female Teenagers in Early Marriage: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objectives: During the teenager stage of a female child, reproductive organs are not yet properly developed. However, some emotional development begins to occur, which could cause diverse experiences when carry ing out roles as a wife and becoming a mother. Although the minimum age for marriage in Indonesia is 16 years for women and 19 years for men, the pract ice of underage marriage, which has a variety of adverse effects, is still prevalent, especially among female teenagers. Methods: This study uses a qualitative method, with a descriptive phenomenological approach, that focuses on exp loring the experiences of female teenagers that engage in early marriage. Data collect ion was carried out through in-depth interviews and field observations. Participants in this study were 10 female teenagers who live in West Kalimantan. Data was analyzed using the thematic content analysis while following the Moustakas approach. Results: This study found three themes, namely; some female teenagers engage in early marriages because they were born out of wedlock or dropped out of school, female teenagers decide to get married of their own volition, and female teenagers experience unpleasant treatment when they engage in early marriage. Conclusions: Female teenagers have different experiences during marriage. Many negative impacts experienced by them. Cross -sectoral cooperation is needed to prevent adolescent marriages