Perceived Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Maladjusted Behaviour of Secondary School Students in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

The study examined perceived influence of psychosocial factors on maladjusted behaviour of secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The study adopted the correlational research survey design. The population of the study was 37,798 senior secondary school students. The sample size for the study was 780 students which was selected using simple random sampling technique. The instruments for the data collection were a self-structured questionnaire designed after the pattern of four-point rating scale. The instruments were validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two experts in Guidance and Counselling from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The reliability of the instrument was established through test-retest method. A reliability coefficient 0.82 and 0.83 was obtained. The study found that inferiority complex and peer group influence maladjusted behaviour of secondary school students in Port Harcourt metropolis to a low extent. It was also found from the study that factors such as aggressive attitude and parent’s socio-economic background influence maladjusted behaviour of secondary school students in Port Harcourt metropolis to a low extent. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that parents being the first agents of socialization should behaviour themselves in a manner that worth emulating so that children should not emulate good habits behaivours and characters and all good morals exhibiting. Parent-Teacher Association should be formidable so that students and teacher’s misbehavior within the community should be summarily dealt with.