Family Climate, Peer Pressure And Cyber Exploration As Determinants Of Deviant Behaviour Among In-School Adolescents In Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Deviant behaviour is an endemic predominant among the teaming youthful population in the Nigerian Society. The immediate and long-term effects of the menace on teenagers’ mental health, educational attainment and the nation’s development call for urgent attention. Consequently, this study investigates the composite and relative influence of family climate, peer pressure and cyber-exploration on deviant behaviour among in-school adolescents in Ogun State.  The study adopts a correlational design with a sample of 200 in-school adolescents randomly selected across Ten (10) LGAs in Ogun State. Four reliable measuring scales were used to obtain data (Deviant behaviour scale; α = 0.83, family climate; α= 0.75, peer-pressure; α = 0.81 and cyber-exploration; α = 0.76) respectively. Three research questions were raised and answered using Pearson’s product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression analysis at a 0.05 significance level. Results reveal a positive relationship between deviant behaviour, peer pressure   (r = 0.688, P<01) and cyber exploration (r = 0.323, P<01) but negatively correlates with family climate (r= -0.389, P< 01). The regression model yielded a multiple R-value of 0.715, R² = 0.511 and Adj.R² = 0.503. When the independent factors are combined, they account for 50.3% (Adj.R² = 0.503) variance in deviant behaviour. Hence, a significant joint contribution of family climate, peer pressure and cyber exploration to the prediction of deviant behaviour among school-going- adolescents in Ogun State F_(3,196) =68.262, p<0.001.   The model further shows that the most potent predictor variable of deviant behaviour was peer pressure (Ꞵ= 0.610, t=10.736, p<0.01); followed by cyber exploration (Ꞵ= 0.176, t=3.426, p<0.05).  By implication, peer pressure and cyber exploration account for 61% and 17.6% variance on deviant behaviour of in-school adolescents. Among others, the study recommends that details of deviant behaviour be taught in schools to mitigate its influence on school-going adolescents.  Parents and guardians should maintain a positive family climate and guide their wards on the appropriate use of internets and the choice of acquaintance.  Lastly therapeutic interventions should be sought for any child found manifesting deviant behaviour.

Keywords: Deviant behaviour; Family Climate; Peer Pressure; Cyber-exploration; In-School Adolescents

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-4-01

Publication date: April 30^th 2025