DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN OBIO/AKPOR LGA

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between domestic violence and social adjustment among school-age children in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Specifically, it investigated how physical and emotional violence influenced children’s ability to interact with peers, regulate emotions, and adapt to school settings. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a sample of 400 school-age children selected using stratified random sampling across primary and junior secondary schools. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring domestic violence exposure and social adjustment. The instrument was pre-tested, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.82, and data were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation to test the study hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a moderate negative correlation between physical violence and social adjustment (r = -0.462, p = 0.001), and a moderate negative correlation between emotional violence and social adjustment (r = -0.398, p = 0.001). These results indicate that higher exposure to both forms of domestic violence is associated with lower levels of social adjustment among school-age children. The study concluded that domestic violence significantly compromises children’s peer interactions, emotional regulation, and school adaptation. The findings underscore the importance of early interventions, counseling, and supportive environments to mitigate the effects of domestic violence on children’s social development. Recommendations include parental education, school-based counseling programs, community awareness initiatives, enforcement of anti-domestic violence policies, and early identification of affected children.