Are Personality Type and Peer pressure Determinants of Drug Abuse among University Students?

Mildred Chioma   Ojiaku; Cynthia Oluchi  Nwokoro

doi:10.18502/jsbch.v5i2.7831

Mildred Chioma Ojiaku Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Cynthia Oluchi Nwokoro Department of Psychology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jsbch.v5i2.7831

Keywords: Personality, Peer pressure, Drug Abuse

Abstract

Background: Recently, drug abuse among undergraduates appears to become a global problem despite the existences of various measures taken by governments and other agencies due to its negative impact on educational and future leadership innovations as well as human resources. This study investigated personality type and peer pressure as determinants of drug abuse among university students in South-Eastern Nigeria.

Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted using 212students selected through convenient sampling technique aged 15-30 years. Participants responded to the Type A and B personality scale (TABS), Index of peer relations scale (IPR), and drug abuse screening test (DAST). Collected data was analyzed using Chi square statistics.

Results: The findings indicated personality type not being significantly associated with drug abuse[X²(1) =0.13, P>0.05]. The study also revealed that peer pressure determines undergraduates’ drug abuse[X²(1) =3.77, P<0.05].

Conclusion: Proper and effective education on dangers of substance or drug abuse should be taught in school and at home by teachers, parents, and guardians.