Social Factors as Determinants of Deviant Behaviour Among In-School Adolescents In Erema Community Onelga Rivers State

Abstract

Deviant behaviors are behaviors which are against societies accepted norms. Deviance among secondary school students has constituted a major challenge and has led to destruction of learning facilities, physical injuries, deaths, early pregnancies, HIV/AIDS infection and finally poor academic performance. Thus, this study will be guided by exploring the determinants of deviant behaviour as predicators of in-school adolescents in Erema community, ONELGA Rivers State. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the purpose of description and interpretation of the independent variables on the dependent variables. The population of the study comprised of four hundred and eighty (480) students. A sample size of 324 students was used for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select three hundred and twenty-four members of the sample frame. The instrument used for the study was sixteen items on social factors as determinants of deviant behaviour among in-school adolescents. To ensure the validity of the instrument, the initial draft of the instrument was subjected to face validation. Cronbach Alpha statistical analysis was used to determine the internal consistency coefficient of the instrument. The result of the study revealed that deviant behaviour among adolescents is a growing concern to parents, teachers, law enforcement agents and the society. It is a multifaceted and complex school problem that is manifested in various forms. This is particularly important in relationship where adolescent’s behavioural problems seem to be on the increase. The study concludes that adolescents that engage in deviant behaviours pose great risk to an individual’s mental and physical health. It puts one at increased risk for alcoholism, cigarette smoking, illegal drug use, high risk of sexual behaviour, depression and engaging in violent acts towards others and self. The study recommends that teachers should familiarize themselves with their students so they are able to discover any anti-social behaviour and provide immediate solutions to it. Guidance counselors should give necessary counseling to the drug abusers, as well as to their parents or guardians.