EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF PEER PRESSURE AND SELF-ESTEEM ON SUBSTANCE USE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIVERS SOUTH EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

The study investigated exploring the influence of peer pressure and self-esteem on substance use amongst public secondary school students in Rivers South East Senatorial District. The study employed a correlational research design. Two (2) research questions and two (2) hypotheses guided the study. The study population comprised 64,784 public secondary school students in Rivers South East Senatorial District. The sample comprised 398 students selected through multistage sampling techniques. The researcher developed a self-structured questionnaire titled “Psycho-Social Determinants and Substance Abuse Questionnaire” (PSDSAQ). The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha method, which produced the following coefficients: 0.86 for Substance Abuse Scale, 0.78 for Peer Pressure, 0.84 for Self-esteem; 0.92. The Data obtained were analysed using Simple linear regression analysis. The result showed that there was a strong significant relationship between peer group and substance abuse among secondary school students. Also, there was a very strong significant relationship between selfesteem and substance abuse among secondary school students. Among others. It was recommended that parents and teachers should work together to create a supportive environment that fosters positive self-esteem in students, so as to reduce the likelihood of substance abuse.