Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem, and Parental Monitoring as Predictors of Substance Abuse among Out-of-School Adolescents in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationships, joint contribution, and relative contribution of peer pressure, self-esteem, and parental monitoring to substance abuse among out-of-school adolescents in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and a total of 276 participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from five Local Government Areas. Standardised instruments were used to measure peer pressure, self-esteem, parental monitoring, and substance abuse. Data were analysed using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis at a 0.05 significance level. The results indicated significant relationships between peer pressure, self-esteem, parental monitoring, and substance abuse. Peer pressure was positively correlated with substance abuse (r = .63, p < .01), while self-esteem (r = –.48, p < .01) and parental monitoring (r = –.52, p < .01) were negatively correlated. Multiple regression analysis showed that peer pressure, self-esteem, and parental monitoring jointly contributed significantly to substance abuse (R = .72, R² = .52, F(3, 272) = 64.38, p < .05), accounting for 52% of the variance in substance abuse. The relative contribution revealed that peer pressure (β = .49, t = 9.34, p < .05) was the strongest predictor, followed by self-esteem (β = –.28, t = –5.33, p < .05) and parental monitoring (β = –.26, t = –4.95, p < .05). The study concluded that peer influence significantly increases the likelihood of substance abuse among out-of-school adolescents, while high self-esteem and effective parental monitoring serve as protective factors. It is recommended that interventions should focus on strengthening adolescents’ self-esteem, enhancing parental involvement, and promoting positive peer networks to mitigate substance abuse in this vulnerable population.