Nigerian Journal of Psychology is a yearly publication of the Nigerian Psychological Association. It is intended to disseminate original scientific work in all fields of psychology presented at our Annual Scientific Conference. Nigerian Journal of Psychology is one of the official journals of the Nigerian Psychological Association. It is a yearly publication intended to disseminate original work in all fields of psychology, and it welcomes empirical and theoretical studies, as well as reviews,in a broad range of areas, such as developmental, school and educational psychology; behavioral psychology; clinical psychology, health psychology, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, psychological assessment, experimental psychology, theory and history of psychology. Authors are required to pay a fee to publish in Nigerian Journal of Psychology because we publish with Open Access unless in some cases where the author has a 100% waiver.
Role Of Organisational Justice And Gender In Burnout Among Academic Staff Of Polytechnics In Southwest Nigeria
This research examined the role of organisational justice and gender in burnout among academic staff of polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria. The population comprised all academic staff of government-owned polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria. The study involved 480 participants selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. The sample consists of 297 male and 183 female lecturers aged 22–65 years with a mean age of 33.84 (SD= 7.95). A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, employing a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using the Measure of Organisational Justice (MOJ) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and independent t-test methods via SPSS version 25. The results showed that organisational justice significantly contributed to burnout among the participants, with distributive justice and interpersonal justice showing significant negative correlations with burnout. Findings also revealed no significant differences in burnout levels between male and female polytechnic lecturers. The study recommends that government, regulatory body and institutions’ management, should actively promote fairness, equity, and equality in both resource allocation and interpersonal interactions as a strategic approach to reducing burnout among academic staff. Higher perceptions of fairness in resource allocation and interpersonal treatment would serve as buffers against burnout, thereby reduce its negative impact on lecturers’ well-being.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nigerian Journal of Psychology
Academic Culture, Internet Use, And Psychological Well-Being: a Qualitative Exploration Of Undergraduate Students' Experiences In Ebonyi State University
The increasing integration of digital technologies into higher education has raised concerns about how academic environments and internet use collectively influence students’ psychological well-being. This study explored undergraduate students’ experiences of academic culture, internet use, and psychological well-being in Ebonyi State University. A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted to obtain in-depth insight into students lived experiences. Twenty (20) undergraduate students were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke (2006) approach. Findings revealed that academic culture is perceived as demanding and performance-oriented, significantly shaping students’ reliance on the internet for academic purposes. Internet use served both academic and non-academic functions, acting as a learning tool and a source of distraction. Participants reported mixed psychological experiences, including stress, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and occasional relief from academic pressure. Academic culture strongly influenced patterns of internet use, while students adopted coping strategies such as time management and digital self-regulation. The study concludes that internet use is deeply embedded within academic culture and has complex implications for psychological well-being. It recommends the promotion of digital well-being awareness, balanced academic workloads, and institutional support systems that foster healthy internet use among undergraduate students.
Work-Related Traumatic Experiences And Alcohol Use As Predictors Of Sexual Risk Behaviours Among Military Personnel In Nigeria
Military personnel constitute a high-risk population for sexual risk behaviours (SRBs) due to occupational stressors, including exposure to work-related trauma and elevated alcohol use. These dynamics remain understudied within the Nigerian military context. This study examined work-related trauma and alcohol use as predictors of SRBs, and tested alcohol use as a moderator of the trauma-SRB relationship, among Nigerian infantry soldiers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a purposive sample of 292 active-duty infantry soldiers at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State (92.8% male; M age = 31.96, SD = 7.83), using the Combat Exposure Scale, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Sexual Risk Behaviour Scale. Hierarchical regression and Hayes' PROCESS Macro (Model 1) were used for analysis. Work-related trauma significantly predicted SRBs when entered alone, but this effect became non-significant once alcohol use was added to the model. Alcohol use was the strongest predictor of SRBs overall. Alcohol use also significantly moderated the trauma-SRB relationship: trauma was associated with SRBs only among soldiers reporting alcohol use above the moderate-risk threshold, corresponding to roughly the top quarter of the sample. Alcohol use, rather than trauma exposure alone, appears to be a key factor linking occupational trauma to sexual risk-taking in this population. Integrated interventions combining trauma-informed care with alcohol misuse screening, rather than parallel or trauma-only programming, are recommended for the Nigerian military.
Perceived Organizational Justice, Leadership Styles And Psychological Safety Among Healthcare Workers In Benue State: Mediating Role Of Team Tenure
This study examined perceived organisational justice, leadership styles, and psychological safety among healthcare workers in Benue state: mediating role of team tenure. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 360 participants, of whom 114 (31.7%) were male and 246 (68.3%) were female, with ages ranging from 19 to 70 years (M = 35.92, SD = 10.74). Data were gathered using the Psychological Safety Scale, the Organisational Justice Scale, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and The Team Tenure Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, incorporating Multiple Linear Regression, and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro for simple mediation analysis. Five hypotheses were stated and their results showed that, organisational justice significantly predicted psychological safety among healthcare workers, with interactional justice, procedural justice and distributive justice emerging as significant contributors. Leadership styles jointly influenced psychological safety with transformational leadership having the strongest positive effect, followed by supportive leadership and transactional leadership. However, mediation results revealed that team tenure did not significantly mediate the relationship between organisational justice and psychological safety, nor the relationship between leadership styles and psychological safety. The study therefore recommended that, the Nigerian Ministry of Health both Federal and State should implement continuous leadership development programmes in healthcare institutions that focus on inclusive leadership skills such as empathy, integrity, communication, and responsiveness to enhance psychological safety, among others.
Moderating Role Of Social Support In The Relationship Between Anxiety And Psychological Well-Being Of Nurses In Unth Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
This study investigated the moderating role of social support in the relationship between anxiety and the psychological well-being of nurses at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. A sample of 307 nurses were selected via stratified and purposive sampling. Their age range was from 25 to 59 years with mean age of 41.88 and standard deviation of 8.61. The research employed a correlational design, and data were collected with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, Ryff’s 18-item Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWBS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) adapted to include workplace sources. Moderated hierarchical regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between anxiety and psychological wellbeing. While social support alone did not predict psychological wellbeing, it significantly and positively moderated the anxiety–psychological wellbeing link. Specifically, higher levels of perceived social support, particularly from “significant others,” buffered the detrimental effect of anxiety on some wellbeing dimensions including environmental mastery, personal growth, and positive relations with others. The findings underscore the fact that social support operates primarily as a protective factor rather than a direct enhancer of wellbeing in this high-stress context. The study concludes that institutional interventions should prioritize fostering supportive peer networks and transformational leadership to mitigate the impact of anxiety, thereby promoting resilience and sustainable psychological wellbeing among nurses in Nigerian teaching hospitals.
Moderating Role Of Coping Strategies In The Relationship Between Job Stress And Family Stress Among Anglican Clergymen In Enugu Province Nigeria
The study investigated the moderating role of coping strategies in the relationship between job stress and family stress among Anglican clergymen. The sample consisted of Seventy-three (73) clergymen aged 27 to 57 years (M= 36.63, SD = 8.99) drawn from Anglican Communion Enugu Province, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study employed cluster and purposive sampling technique. Three scales job stress scale, family stress scale and brief-cope scale were utilized for data collection. A correlation research design was adopted and moderated regression analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro (Model 2) was used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that job stress did not predict family stress. Also, problem-focused coping strategies did not predict family stress, while emotion-focused coping strategies positively predicted family stress. Finally, problem-focused coping strategies did not moderate job stress in family stress, but emotion-focused coping strategies negatively moderated job stress in the family stress of clergymen. Emotion-focused coping strategy was associated with higher family stress when considered directly; however, it equally negatively moderated job stress in family stress of clergymen, indicating its buffering effect. Considering that emotion-focused coping strategy buffers the impact of job stress on family stress, the study recommends that clergymen development and formation programs should incorporate training in emotional coping skills.
Emotional Divorce And Sexual Desire Dysfunction Among Adults In Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria: Moderating Role Of Interpersonal Communication
Sexual desire dysfunction is one of the major public concerns in marriages and romantic relationships globally. Good sexual life is important among couples as it serves many purposes in marriage. Understanding the causes of sexual dysfunction is important for treatment plans to improve human existence. This study investigates the moderation role of interpersonal communication in the relationship between emotional divorce and sexual desire dysfunction among adults in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study involved 392 (230males, females 162) adult participants, aged 18-60 years with a mean age of 2. 08 and standard deviation of 0.50, who were selected through multi-stage sampling technique. Interpersonal communication, sexual desire dysfunction and emotional divorce scale were used for data collection. The study employed the cross-sectional survey design, and three hypotheses were tested using Hayes PROCESS macro. The result revealed a positive relationship between emotional divorce and sexual desire dysfunction, a negative relationship between interpersonal communication and sexual desire dysfunction, and an indirect effect of interpersonal communication on sexual desire dysfunction among adults is significant. Based on the findings, emotional divorce is a predictor of sexual desire dysfunction, and the interpersonal communication can also reduce sexual desire dysfunction.
Psycho-Demographic Factors And The Mediating Role Of Civic Knowledge On Voter Apathy During 2019 Presidential Election In Nigeria
Voter apathy, an aspect of voter behaviour associated with low voter turnout in elections, is a significant challenge to governance across the globe. In Nigeria, voter apathy is a recurring phenomenon particularly in Lagos State. Previous studies on voter apathy in Nigeria have focused largely on specific political issues, with little attention given to individual predisposition. This study, therefore, examined the psycho-demographic (patriotism, fear of election violence, perceived quality of candidate, learned helplessness and age) factors on voter apathy in the 2019 presidential election and the mediating role of civic knowledge among residents of Lagos State. The sequential exploratory mixed-methods (qual-Quant) design involving focus group discussion, key informant interviews and cross-sectional survey techniques were conducted. Simple random sampling was used to identify streets and homes while convenience sampling technique was adopted to select 2340 participants from the six Registration areas (wards) in Lagos State. A validated 54-item questionnaire comprising voter apathy, patriotism, fear of election violence, perceived quality of candidate, civic knowledge and re-validated learned helplessness scales were developed as measuring instruments. The qualitative data were content analyzed, while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and structural equation modeling. Results indicate that patriotism, fear of election violence, perceived quality of candidate, learned helplessness and age increased voter apathy while civic knowledge reduced it. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should create awareness about the civic responsibility of voters towards mitigating voter apathy.
Temperament And Executive Decision-Making: a Comparative Analysis Of The Buhari And Jonathan Administrations
Recognizing that leaders' innate behavioural patterns significantly shape their approaches to governance. This study examines the relationship between temperament and executive decision-making through a comparative analysis of former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan administrations in Nigeria. It investigates how the differing temperaments of the two former presidents influenced their policy preference, and administrative style. While no formal psychological assessment was conducted, the study adopts a qualitative comparative analysis. It draws on existing literature, historical records, and publicly available materials to infer the temperamental profiles of both former leaders through the Four Temperament Theory. It then examines how these inferred temperaments may be reflected in policy decisions across key areas such as security, anti-corruption, and national unity. Findings indicate that policy preferences under Jonathan’s administration are characterized by tolerance, negotiation, and symbolic unity, while Buhari’s administration exhibits preference for assertive intervention and institutional enforcement, reflected in a shift from democratic style administration to authoritarian leaning execution. The study concludes that understanding presidential temperament is crucial for comprehending policy outcomes and offers insights for future leadership selection and training in Nigeria. Key recommendations include incorporating temperament assessments into presidential candidate selection processes and providing tailored leadership training for prospective national leaders.
Age, Impulsivity and Locus of Control as Predictors of Substance Use Disorder among Substance using outpatients in Lagos State
Substance use disorder (SUD) has been identified as an emerging national health concern especially among young people. While age, impulsivity and locus of control have been previously linked to substance abuse, this study specifically assessed these three factors in outpatients diagnosed with substance use disorder at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. Five hypotheses were tested. The sample included 113 patients (102 males and 11 females), aged between 18-26 years with mean age of 21.19 years (SD= 1.91). Data were collected using the Drug Abuse Screening Test 10 (DAST-10), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Revised (BIS-R-21) and Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCS). The research adopted cross sectional survey design and data was analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. The result showed that younger age, high levels of impulsivity, and external locus of control significantly predicted substance use disorder. However, the interaction between impulsivity and locus of control did not provide significant additional predictive value. To combat the rising SUD rates, the study recommends reorienting significant others on parenting practices that focus on fostering cognitive inhibition, affectionate communication and delayed gratification to reduce impulsivity. Additionally, SUD interventions should help young people shift from an external to internal locus of control, teach them to take personal responsibility for their actions from an early age and look inward rather than blaming external factors (outsiders) or circumstances.
Forty Years Of The Nigerian Psychological Association (1984-2024) In The Lens Of Wilensky’s Professionalization Framework
This paper utilized the Wilensky (1964) five-stage structured framework of professionalization to assess how well the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA) has guided the psychology profession in Nigeria toward becoming a recognized and authoritative profession in the past forty (1984-2024) years. The paper used the Wilensky’s 5-stage framework, including the emergence of a full-time occupation, establishment of training schools, formation of professional association, public recognition and legal support, and formal code of ethics, to specify NPA’s progress in the professionalization of the psychology profession in Nigeria. The analytical approach used in the paper indicated that the NPA made significant progress on the first three markers of Wilensky’s professionalization framework, but it still struggles on the fourth and fifth stages - legal support and formal code of ethics. The research concluded that the forty-year journey of NPA reflects significant progress toward the professionalization of the psychology profession in Nigeria. The challenges associated with the lack of statutory regulation and the weak enforcement of NPA’s code of conduct have made the psychology profession unable to achieve full occupational closure and/or attain full professionalization.
Social Support And Psychological Disturbance Among The Elderly In Benue North-West Senatorial Zone, Benue State, Nigeria
The adverse effect of psychological disturbances among the elderly cannot be overemphasized as it poses a global public health challenge. Thus, the study examined the relationship between social support and psychological disturbance among the elderly in Benue North-West Senatorial Zone. The study adopted the correlation design and used the simple random sampling to sample two Local Government Areas in the zone, while the purposive sampling technique was used to sample 120 senior citizens; 91 (75.8%) males and 29 (24.2%) females with the mean age of 73 years with 54 to 92 years age range. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to collect data. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested using standard multiple regression analysis. The first finding shows that there was a significant negative relationship between family social support and psychological disturbance β = -.294, t=-2.007; P<.05. The second finding revealed that there was no significant relationship between friend’s social support and psychological disturbance β=.081, t=.784; p>.05. There was no significant relationship between significant others social support and psychological disturbance β=-.048, t =-334; p>.05. On the whole, social support significantly predicts psychological disturbance among elderly in Benue North-West Senatorial Zone R = .309, R2 = .095, F (3,101) = 3.543; p<.05. It was concluded that social support determines the psychological disturbance of the elderly. It was recommended that mental health professionals and elderly caregivers to provide psychological protection to the elderly and use social support (family) programs in their treatment as a non-pharmacological method to prevent psychological disturbances such as anxiety, depression and stress to enhance the elderly people’s.
Exploring The Link Between Work Environment And Wellbeing Among Nigerian Mental Health Professionals
There has been a growing focus on the wellbeing of mental health practitioners, highlighting the critical connection between practitioners’ wellbeing and their capacity to function effectively within their work environments. Recognising that the quality of the practice environment is equally as vital as individual wellbeing, this study employed a phenomenological approach to explore how poor work environment impacts the wellbeing of mental health practitioners in Nigeria. Twenty-eight participants participated in in-depth interviews, with data transcribed verbatim, systematically analyzed, and presented through matrices, direct quotations, and causal networks. The findings revealed that adverse work environment, including high temperatures, excessive noise, inadequate office space, insufficient equipment and lighting, and unpleasant odors from patients undermine practitioners’ wellbeing. Poor work environments were linked to decreased concentration, motivation, cognitive functioning, and performance, as well as increased fatigue, diagnostic and prescription errors, and persistent dissatisfaction. The study concludes that targeted interventions such as fostering positive mindsets, providing adequate office facilities with improved ventilation and noise reduction, and employing security personnel with mental health training are essential to enhance practitioners’ wellbeing. Ultimately, improving work environment conditions and promoting a positive mindset are imperative for enabling mental health practitioners to perform their duties effectively and maintain optimal wellbeing.
Contributions of Emotional Job Demands and Emotional Intelligence in Work Engagement of Teachers
This study investigated the contributions of emotional job demands and in emotional intelligence in work engagement of teachers. Two hundred and thirty-five (235) participants, comprising two hundred and one (201) females and thirty-four (34) males within the ages of 25 to 60 years with a mean age of 43.22 and standard deviation of 6.98, were drawn through a multistage (simple, stratified, systematic, and purposive sampling techniques) sampling technique from nine schools in the Enugu educational zone. The study was a cross-sectional survey in which the 10-item Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (Davies et al., 2010), the 6-item Emotional Job Demand Scale (Xanthopoulou et al., 2013), and the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schaufeli et al., 2006) were administered for data collection. Moderated multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used for data analysis. The results indicated that emotional job demands positively predicted the vigour, dedication, and absorption components of work engagement, respectively (β =.32, p<.01; β =.21, p<.01; β= .27, p<.01). Emotional intelligence did not moderate the relationship between emotional job demands and work engagement (vigour, dedication, and absorption). It has been recommended that policymakers in the educational sector, especially secondary schools, should consider emotional job demands in order to enhance teachers’ work engagement.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nigerian Journal of Psychology
Psychosocial Correlates of Cannabis Use among a Sample of Nigerian University Students
Cannabis use among undergraduates is increasingly becoming a serious problem in Nigerian universities, with empirical reports showing its potential effects on academic performance and psychosocial health. There are however, paucity of research on possible psychosocial factors influencing cannabis consumption among Nigerian university students. This research examined parenting styles, self-esteem and peer pressure as correlates of cannabis use among undergraduates of Nigerian Army University, Biu. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, using snowballing technique to recruit 106 students across all the Departments of the university. Standardised instruments were utilised to assess demographic information, parenting styles, self-esteem, peer pressure and cannabis use behaviour of the participants. Multiple regression was used to analyse the data, in line with research objective. Result indicated that authoritarian parenting and peer pressure are significant correlates of students’ cannabis use, while authoritative, permissive and self-esteem were not significantly related with students’ cannabis use. However, results further showed a significant joint influence of parenting styles, self-esteem and peer pressure on cannabis use, accounting for 13% of its variance. These results indicate that parenting, particularly strict and over controlling parenting and peer influences are the major reasons why university students indulge in cannabis use. It is recommended that university authority and parents should take cognizance of these factors to reduce the menace of cannabis use among undergraduates in Nigerian universities.
Emotional Intelligence in Counterproductive Work Behaviour in a Sample of Primary School Teachers Experiencing Role-based Stress
This study investigated the moderating role of emotional intelligence in role-based stress and counterproductive work behaviour in a sample of primary school teachers. One hundred and ninety nine participants comprising 57 males and 142 females between the ages of 22-59 years (M = 37.7, SD= 9.5) were drawn using three-stage (cluster, stratified and purposive) sampling technique from Udenu Local Government Primary School teachers. The study was a correlational study in which 10-item Emotional Intelligence Scale, 15-item Role-based Stress Scale and 10-item Counterproductive Work Behaviour Checklist were administered for data collection. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used for data analysis. The results indicated that role-based stress positively predicted counterproductive work behaviour (β =.49, t = 7.60, p< .01). The dimensions of emotional intelligence (appraisal of own emotions, appraisal of other’s emotions, regulation of own emotions, regulation of other’s emotions and utilization of emotions) jointly predicted counterproductive work behaviour (β = -.06, t = -.17, p< .05). Regulation of other’s emotions dimension of emotional intelligence independently and negatively predicted counterproductive work behaviour (β = -.06, t = -.17, p< .05). Furthermore, the dimension of emotional intelligence (appraisal of own emotions, appraisal of other’s emotions, regulation of own emotions, regulation of other’s emotions and utilization of emotions) did not moderate the prediction of counterproductive work behaviour by role-based stress. The results of the study were discussed; the implications of the findings highlighted and suggestions were made for further study. It has been recommended that policy makers in the educational sector especially in primary schools should make policies that will reduce role-based stress in order to enhance productive work behaviours of teachers.
An Evaluation Of Social Support And Martial Satisfaction Among Working Couples Within Lagos Metropolis
One of the decisive factors of having to spend one’s life with another individual is to attain marital satisfaction. Several variables have been placed vis-á-vis this subject in previous works. This research project sought to however look through the lens of social support to ascertain how this can be beneficial to couples living in Lagos metropolis, thus leading to the experience of marital satisfaction. Social support has contributed immensely in helping individuals, groups and communities alike in varying capacities. This study was able to investigate the role that social support plays in ensuring marital satisfaction among working couples by eliciting responses from a sample of 156 married individuals. A battery of tests where used to achieve this—they include; Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS). They measured the following hypotheses, that there will be a relationship between social support and marital satisfaction among working couples in Lagos, there will be a significant difference between males and females with marital satisfaction, there will be a significant effect of social support on marital satisfaction. Using SPSS, the following were used to make the analysis of the responses, respectively—a Pearson correlation, Independent T-test and Regression Analysis. The results indicated a relationship between social support with marital satisfaction, difference between males and females with regards to marital satisfaction and a significantly positive impact of social support on marital satisfaction.
Relationship between Age, Experience, Rank, Educational Level, Mutiny Proneness and Disobedience among Nigerian Army Personnel
Among scholars, there has been equivocality on the influence of demographics on deviant behaviours among workers in organisations. How this would play out in a military organisation among its personnel motivated this study. Using randomly selected 422 men and officers of randomly selected two divisions of Nigerian Army, the study investigated the relationship between age, experience, rank, educational level, mutiny proneness and disobedience among Nigerian Army personnel. Using 3-way factorial analysis, it was revealed that there was no significant influence of these variables, either singularly or jointly on disboidence, thereby upholding the controversy on the influence of demographics on workers deviant behaviour (Disobedience, in this case) . The results were discussed in line with the propositions of Social Exchange Theory, while it was noted in conclusion that the predictive influence of these variables still exist in the presence of otherdispositional factors as noted elsewhere. Suggestions for more psychological involvement in recruiting excersise was made, and regular counselling be made to avoid any form of deviant behaviour among military personnel.
Cultural And Socio-Economic Determinants Of Clean Energy Utilization In Southwest, Nigeria
Studies have focused on how why they use alternatives not on why they choose to combine or remained with inefficient sources of energy These studies have identified that the energy adoption and utilisation does not transit through the normal energy ladder linear pathway. This study identifying whether or not cultural factors play a role in energy adoption. Household survey was conducted in three hundred and forty households from seventeen local government areas of the Six states in south-west Nigeria. The study concluded that socio-economic status and religious beliefs were responsible factors for fuel switching and energy stacking in rural communities of south- west Nigeria. It found that marital status and electricity tariff significantly related to likelihood of utilising electricity for lighting. Belief in the traditional cooking was inversely related to the use of Gas for cooking.
Psychology In The Eye Of The Public: a National Survey On Perceptions Of Psychology In Nigeria
Public perception is an important matter to every profession because it determines action, relevance in the scheme of things and the direction of public policies. Studies that investigated public perception of psychology in Nigeria are very scanty and most were conducted several decades ago. This study explored the public perceptions of psychology in Nigeria. Participants were 2,027 literate Nigerians randomly selected across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Participants’ mean age was 30.9 (SD = 11.5). Of the 2,027 participants, 1089 (55.4%) were males and 876 (44.6%) were females. Psychologists were excluded from participating in the survey but 42.6% of the participants had attended at least a psychology class while in school. Results showed that participants were reasonably knowledgeable about psychology and perceived psychologists positively, although the perceptions are fraught with some inaccuracies and misperceptions. About 85% of respondents perceived psychology to be a scientific discipline; 62% agreed that psychologists are needed in Nigeria; and 76% agreed that psychologists can contribute to national development. Majority of respondents perceived psychologists as most suitably qualified in solving marital conflict, ethnic distrust, attitudinal problems, pathological gambling, emotional problems, cigarette smoking and addiction problems. However, psychologists were rated lower than other professionals (except psychiatrists) with regards to how valuable professionals are to the society. The study concluded that, for the public to value psychologists more, the business of psychology must be conducted with thorough professionalism. The need for professional self-policing was also emphasized.
Personality Traits and Perceived Seductive Dressing as Predictors of Sexual Abuse Disposition among Married Men in Ibadan Metropolis
Studies on sexual abuse have placed more emphasis on the commercial sexual disposition among children and women. However, there is paucity of studies on sexual abuse disposition among married men. Therefore, this study examined personality traits and perceived seductive dressing as predictors of sexual abuse disposition among married men in Ibadan metropolis. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted while Personality trait scale, Perceived Seductive Dressing Scale and Sexual Abuse Scale were used to gather data from 233 married men with age ranging between 28 and 64 (M = 37.5, SD = 15.43). Data were analyzed using t-test of independent samples and multiple regression while hypotheses were tested at a p <.05 level of significance. The results revealed significant difference between perceived seductive dressing and sexual abuse disposition [t (231) = 1.97, p <.05]. Also, personality traits jointly predicted sexual abuse among married men (R2 =.08), F (5, 227) = 3.82, p <.05). Finally, personality traits and perceived seductive dressing jointly predicted sexual abuse disposition among the study population (R2 =.10, F (6, 226) = 4.17, p <.05). The study concluded that personality traits and perceived seductive dressing are good predictors of sexual abuse disposition among married men in Ibadan. The study recommends churches and mosques which are the dominant religions in Nigeria should continue to preach on descent dressing among their congregations to reduce perceived seductive dressing and sexual abusive disposition among married men and women.
Psychological Factors In Adherence To Covid-19 Protocol: The Panacea To Its Containment
Covid-19 is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2). The capacity of the SARS-2 to spread across the globe stem from its air borne nature. The virus is transmitted through the air contaminated by droplets and air borne particles containing the virus. In an attempt to ascertain possible factors that inhibit and factors that promote adherence to Covid-19 protocols, this study investigated psychological factors in adherence to covid-19 protocol: The panacea to its containment. A total of 621 participants within the age range of 18 and 61 years comprised of 372 males and 249 females were used for the study. They were drawn from the population of residents in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State using availability sampling technique. A 12-item and a 6-item questionnaires designed by the researchers were used for data collection. The design was cross sectional survey design while descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data obtained from the participants using SPSS version 23. The results showed that factors militating against adherence to covid19 pandemic protocol include: participants believed that our immunity is stronger than the Covid-19 538(78.9%); God protects His people 581(85.3%);social interaction is our culture 606(89.0%);government is deceiving people 611(89.7%); Covid does not exist with 527(77.4%), government is insincere about the covid-19 pandemic 611(90.5%) people are afraid of stigmatization/isolation 521(76.5%)and Covid-19 is avenue for making money for government 612(89.9%). On factors to facilitate adherence most participants agreed that transparency on the part of government, sensitization on the prevalence and dangers of Covid-19; government should provide the protocol items in public place and stiff penalty for defaulters are imperative even during future pandemics should there be any. The researchers therefore recommended that for people to adhere strictly to Covid-19 protocols, effort should be made to adopt measures as identified in this study.
Moderating Role Of Hope In The Relationship Between Loneliness And Psychological Wellbeing Among The Aged
This study examined the mediating role of hope in the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being among the aged. The cross-sectional survey method was adopted in which 100 aged people were purposively sampled. They were aged between 60-90 years with mean age of 68.58 (Std.=8.04). Data were collected using the Ryff’s Scales of Psychological well-being, the UCLA Loneliness Scale as well as the Snyder’s Adult Hope Scale. Analysis of the data was done using simple linear regression analysis and simple mediation analysis performed via Andrew F. Hayes’ Process Macro. It was found that there is a significant negative influence of loneliness on psychological well-being of the aged R=.547, R2=.299, F(1,98)=41.75, (β=-.547), p<.01. Findings further revealed that there is a significant positive influence of hope on psychological well-being of the aged R=.269, R2=.072, F(1,98)=7.644, (β=.269), p<.01). Finally, it was found that hope partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being of the aged (β =-.1512, 95%CI(-.0225 to -.1200). It was concluded that loneliness creates negative emotions which lowers psychological well-being of the aged people. Therefore, it was recommended that the government and other capable private individuals should establish institutions for the elderly where the aged people can come together and form a community of the elderly to promote their level of social interaction.
Divorce And Child Abuse As Indices Of Behavioural Problems Among Children In Owerri Municipal, Nigeria
This study examined the influence of divorce and child abuse on behavioural problems among children in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using a sample of 499 pupils (250 males and 249 females) randomly selected from three primary schools within the municipality. Participants’ ages ranged from 9 to 12 years (M = 10.95). The Children’s Behaviour Questionnaire (Rutter, 1967) and the Child Abuse Inventory (Onwukwe, 1999) were used for data collection. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results revealed a significant influence of both divorce and child abuse on children’s behavioural problems, as well as a significant interaction effect between the two variables. The findings underscore the need for effective family counselling, child protection interventions, and supportive educational environments to mitigate behavioural difficulties among affected children.
Copyright (c) 2024 Nigerian Journal of Psychology
Developing a Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Intersection of Anger, Domestic Violence, and Learning Disabilities: Implications for Counselling
This paper examines the complex relationship between anger, domestic violence, and learning disabilities, highlighting the need for trauma-informed care. A comprehensive review of existing literature reveals that individuals with learning disabilities are disproportionately affected by domestic violence, exacerbating anger and emotional regulation difficulties. The paper underscores the importance of addressing underlying factors, such as stigma, marginalization, and lack of access to resources. This discourse contributes to the growing body of research advocating for inclusive, supportive, and trauma-informed services. Recommendations for policy, practice, and future research are provided, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized training.
Secure Attachment Style In Neighborhood Disorder And Tendency To Commit Crime Among Undergraduates
The study investigated the moderating role of secure attachment style in neighborhood disorder and tendency to commit crime among undergraduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Participants included 297 university students of psychology department. They included 66(22.2%) males and 229(77.1%) females, whose ages ranged between 17 to 43 years, with the mean age of 21.96 and standard deviation of 3.18. The Crime Behavior Rating Scale, Attachment Style Questionnaire, and perceived Neighborhood Disorder Scale were be used for data collection. The design of the study was moderated predictive design, while Process Macro Model 1 via SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) was used for data analysis. The result revealed that secure attachment style negatively and significantly predict tendency to commit crime, neighborhood disorder positively and significantly predict tendency to commit crime, and neighborhood disorder positively but not significantly moderated the relationship between secure attachment style and tendency to commit crime. It was recommended that parent and caregivers should adopt secure attachment style in raising their children to inculcate in them the ability to resist criminal thoughts.
Reflexivity in Interview and Observation Protocols: Theoretical Perspectives for Mitigating Bias and Implications for Educational Researchers' Data Collection Practices
This abstract explores the function of reflexivity in qualitative research, emphasizing the importance of reflexivity in protocols for observations and interviews. Understanding how researchers' identities, views, and prejudices might affect data collection and interpretation requires a critical examination of the process of reflexivity, or critically reflecting on oneself during the research process. In order to mitigate researcher bias, this paper examines the growth of reflexivity in social science research by placing it within theoretical frameworks and historical settings. Many forms of reflexivity are discussed, including personal and epistemological reflexivity, with an emphasis on how these aspects influence participant-researcher interactions and the caliber of data that is gathered. The creation of reflexive interview guidelines and the design of observation protocols that promote continuous self-awareness are two useful tactics for introducing reflexivity into data gathering procedures. The paper also discusses the ethical implications of reflexivity and argues that qualitative research should be more accountable and transparent. Over-reflexivity and striking a balance between subjectivity and objectivity provide difficulties and constraints that are also examined. In order to help researchers improve the rigor and credibility of their qualitative studies, this study attempts to provide a thorough overview of the theoretical and practical consequences of reflexivity. In the end, reflexivity is viewed as a basic principle that enhances the research process and promotes deeper insights and ethical integrity in qualitative inquiry, in addition to being a methodological instrument.
Prevalence And Pattern Of Abusive Self-Medication In Owerre Communities, Imo State, Nigeria
In this study self-medication or the use of non-professionally prescribed drugs was assessed among Six hundred and two (602) respondents, comprising 383 males and 219 females sampled from Owerri zone using cluster sampling technique. The respondents aged 18 years and above. Medications considered in this study were sleeping pills, sedatives, stimulants, painkillers, antimalaria, antibiotics, blood tonics and anti-microbes purchased or consumed in the last three months. It was a cross-sectional survey design carried out using a Prescription Drug Use Inventory. Participants were asked to rate how often they used each category of medication ranging from never to 40 times. Five hypotheses were tested. Percentages and Chi-square were used for data analyses. Many of the respondents 52.30% were between 18 and 25 years old. The prevalence of self-medication was 84.3% and showed that painkillers, anti-malarias and antibiotics were the three most used class of drugs. Age and residential area were significant factors in the prevalence of self-medication while gender was not significant. This study provides evidence in support of the provision of a prescription drugs production, distribution, sale and handling control policy in Imo State.
The Influence of Work-Life Balance on the Physical Health Outcome of University Academics: A Study Conducted at the University of Delta, Agbor
This study investigates the influence of work-life balance on the physical health outcomes of university academics at the University of Delta, Agbor. Work-life balance has become an increasingly important factor in ensuring the physical and mental well-being of individuals, particularly in high-stress professions like academia. The study employed the Work-Life Balance Scale (WLBS) and the Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ) to examine how aspects of work-life balance correlate with specific physical health outcomes, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections. The findings reveal that poor work-life balance is significantly correlated with increased occurrences of sleep disturbances and headaches. No significant relationship was found between work-life balance and gastrointestinal or respiratory problems. These findings underline the importance of creating supportive work environments that help academics achieve better work-life balance, thereby improving their physical health outcomes.
Perceived Social Support, Self-Efficacy On Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Youths In Ikwerre Loca Governmet Area Of Rivers State
The study investigated Perceived Social Support Self-efficacy on Entrepreneurial Intentions among youths in Ikwerre local Government Area of Rivers State. The study was guided by four research questions and four alternate hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted descriptive survey with purposive sample involving two hundred and three participants (N=203) from Ikwerre Local Government Area. The instrument for data collection were the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire (EIQ). The reliability coefficient was obtained through Cronbach Alpha. The data collected were analysed using simple linear regression. While the R values were used in answering the research questions, the ANOVA associated with the regression analysis were used in dealing with the hypotheses. From the findings, Perceived Ssocial Support significantly influence Entrepreneurial Intentions of the Youths in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State at, Self-efficacy significantly influence entrepreneurial intention of the youths in Ikwerre Local Government area of Rivers State, both Perceived Social Support and Self-efficacy jointly influence Entrepreneurial Intentions of the Youths in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.