ABUSIVE PARENTING AS PREDICTOR OF INTERNALIZING AND EXTERNALIZING BEHAVIOURS AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN OGUN STATE

Abstract

A number of children in Nigerian cities especially in Ogun State exhibit various emotional and self-destructive problems, and delinquent activities as a result of harsh and hazardous conditions they are exposed to from abuse and neglect by parents/guardians. Hitherto, researchers have looked into risky and delinquent behaviors of adolescents, vis a vis a number of factors, but not much has been done to ascertain child abuse as a cause. This study therefore investigated abusive parenting as a predictor of internalizing, externalizing behaviors among in-school adolescents in Ogun State. The study adopted cross sectional survey method. Using purposive and convenient sampling techniques, 238 adolescents, 116 males (49%) and 122 females (51%) with mean age =16.71±2.21 years were selected from three secondary schools in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State as participants in the study. Data was collected using self-report measures on abusive parenting, internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Two hypotheses were generated and tested with Multivariate Analysis of Variance and One-Way ANOVA. Results revealed that abusive parenting had significant influence on internalizing behaviours, externalizing behaviours and delinquent activities among adolescents jointly [F(2, 256) = .76, p < .01]. Independently, abusive parenting significantly influenced internalizing behaviours [F(1, 257)= 77.31, p < .01], and externalising behaviours [F(1, 257)= 9.20, p < .01], but not on delinquent activity [F(1, 257) = .90, p > .05] among adolescents. Results underscore the need by collective efforts for policy makers and professionals to address family problems and educate parents on skills to adopt in parenting, using various means to enlighten parents about the consequences of child abuse.