Pendampingan Penguatan Kognitif sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Pernikahan Dini pada Komunitas Karang Taruna Tunas Harapan Desa Wates Tulungagung

Purpose – This community service aimed to enhance the understanding and attitudes of adolescents in the Tunas Harapan youth organization of Wates Village, Tulungagung, regarding early marriage prevention and to develop their problem-solving skills when dealing with related cases. Design/methodology/approach – The Participatory Action Research (PAR) method was employed, encompassing problem identification, organization, implementation, and evaluation. The program provided psychoeducation in the form of training on early marriage prevention. Findings – The results demonstrated an improvement in participants’ understanding and attitudes toward early marriage. Initially inclined to accept early marriage, participants became more aware of its negative impacts and chose to reject such proposals. Through materials covering reproductive health, psychological impacts, and case discussions, this activity successfully formed peer educator cadres. These cadres were trained to disseminate education among their peers to prevent early marriage within the community. Originality/value – This program significantly influenced adolescents’ perceptions, equipping them with communication and negotiation skills. It is expected to reduce early marriage rates through the active role of the youth organization.