Young Age Marriage and Its Implications for Child Rearing Patterns in Potugu Village, Momunu District, Buol Regency

Abstract

Marriage at a young age places adolescent couples in household and parenting roles before their psychological maturity, knowledge, educational attainment, and economic independence are fully developed. This study aimed to describe the factors underlying young-age marriage and to analyze its implications for parenting practices in Potugu Village, Momunu District, Buol Regency. A qualitative descriptive field-research approach was employed. Data were collected through observation, interviews with young couples, parents, and village officials, and documentation. The analysis involved data collection, reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Data credibility was strengthened through source and method triangulation, prolonged observation, and peer discussion. The findings indicate that the couples married between the ages of 14 and 19. Contributing factors included personal preference, premarital sexual relations, low educational attainment, inadequate family supervision, economic pressure, and parental acceptance of marriage proposals before the children completed school. In parenting, some couples lacked sufficient knowledge and skills to care for, protect, and educate children according to their developmental needs. Emotional immaturity was reflected in anger, shouting, pinching, or hitting when children cried or were difficult to manage. The couples also relied on parents or parents-in-law for bathing, feeding, and caring for their children.