Substance Use and Social Influence as Predictors of Students Deviance in Public Higher Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56778/rjslr.v4i1.685Keywords:
Deviant behaviour, higher education, substance use, studentsAbstract
Student deviance in higher education remains a critical concern, often fueled by complex psychosocial factors. In the context of Rivers State, Nigeria, understanding the intersection of substance use and the social environment is critical to promoting institutional stability. This study investigated substance use and social influence as predictors of students' deviance in public higher education institutions within Rivers State. Utilizing a survey research design, the study targeted a population of 194,071 students across ten government-owned tertiary institutions, based on NUC and NBTE data. Yamane's formula was applied to determine a sample size of 400 respondents. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing a mean criterion of 3.0 to evaluate the contribution of drug abuse, peer pressure, and home/societal factors to deviant behavior. The findings demonstrated that peer group pressure substantially contributes to drug abuse via the influence of "bad companies," detrimental advice from peers, and the psychological desire to affiliate with particular social classes. The study found that these social influences, coupled with substance use, serve as primary drivers of deviance. The study concludes that students are products of their home and societal environments; consequently, families and society must intensify efforts to instill upright values and attitudes by providing positive role models. The research recommends a multi-stakeholder approach involving parents, academic institutions, and the government to implement value-based education and stricter drug abuse prevention policies to safeguard the future of Nigerian society.
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