PEER INFLUENCE AS A PREDICTOR OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTIONAMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined peer influence as a predictor of substance addiction among secondary school students in Edo
State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the increasing prevalence of substance-related behaviours among
adolescents and the need to understand the role of social factors in shaping such behaviours. A correlational
research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all secondary school students in the study
area, from which a representative sample was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collected
using a structured questionnaire based on a substance use/addiction scale, which measured students’ exposure to
and involvement in various psychoactive substances. The findings revealed that peer influence significantly
predicts substance addiction among secondary school students. Students who are associated with peers who
engage in substance use were more likely to exhibit addictive behaviours. The study also showed that peer
pressure, modelling, and the desire for social acceptance were key mechanisms through which peer groups
influenced substance-related behaviours. Based on the findings, it was concluded that peer influence plays a
critical role in shaping substance addiction among adolescents. Therefore, the study recommends that school
administrators and counsellors should implement peer-led intervention programmes and strengthen guidance and
counselling services to help students develop resistance skills against negative peer pressure and reduce the
incidence of substance addiction in secondary schools.