Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to study and compare the levels of attitude of students towards the practice of living together as a couple during study at the university by classifying general data and information obtained from a sample population which consists of 372 students of Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University.
The research has found that the sample population, which consists of both male and female students, responds to the questionnaire in similar proportion. Students who respond to the questionnaire the most are those who are studying in the 3rd year. It indicates that they generally receive the financial supports from their parents and still live with them. When it comes to the spending priority, these students normally spend their money on studying materials, and travelling. They also spend the money for personal matters such as top-up for mobile phone, clothing, and entertainment.
Although most students view the concept of living as a couple during study may intrude and decrease their freedom, this may prove to be good opportunity to find out about their compatibility or help them develop better understanding and adjustment themselves to the opposite gender. More importantly, they believe that this may also help them becoming more mature and pave the way for the preparation of the incoming adulthood.
Also the research has found that the majority of students have the viewpoint and attitude towards the concept of living as a couple during study at moderate level which means that they do not disagree with the concept. When compare the data collected from both male and female students it does not indicate any major differences as far as their viewpoints are concerned.
But the data collected from the 1st year students it indicates a major differences from those collected from the 4th year students as these senior students may have become more mature and open-minded while the 1st year students are uncomfortable and more reluctant to accept the concept of living as a couple during study.
Results from the research have also indicated that students of faculty of education have a completely different point of view on this concept.
The possible factors that influence them are that these students have more conservative point of view and attitude than students of other faculties and the internal culture and beliefs of the faculty of education itself that governs the way these students act and think.
When the sources of income are concerned, the results have shown that it has no significant impact upon their attitude and viewpoint towards the concept of living as a couple during study. The similar pattern has also been found when comparing whether that they live at the same address or not, or the way they spend their money does not change their viewpoint and attitude of the concept of living as a couple during study.
Recommendations
Students should be motivated and encouraged as follows;
1. Learning and searching for their own true nature, for instance, they need to know what they really want and their strengths
2. Being responsible for themselves and society as a whole
3. Learning and keeping pace with the ever-changing society
4. Be extra careful and cautious when making friends.
Teachers and parents can also make contributions by following the simple guidelines which are as follows;
1. Giving more time for their students/ children
2. Paying more attention to them
3. Being friendly to them
4. Giving them opportunity to discuss any problems and express themselves
5. Giving them the right knowledge and skill, and
6. Having and doing common activities together.