Psychosocial Capital and Future Orientation as Predictors of Adolescent Behavioural Adjustment among Secondary School Students in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined psychosocial capital and future orientation as predictors of behavioural adjustment among secondary school students in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and a sample of 240 students was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Standardised instruments were used for data collection, and data were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that psychosocial capital had a significant positive relationship with behavioural adjustment (r = 0.61, p < .05), while future orientation also showed a significant positive relationship with behavioural adjustment (r = 0.57, p < .05). The two predictors jointly accounted for 48% of the variance in behavioural adjustment (R² = 0.48), indicating a strong combined influence. Psychosocial capital emerged as the stronger predictor (β = 0.49, t = 7.43, p < .05), followed by future orientation (β = 0.41, t = 6.18, p < .05). The study concluded that both psychosocial resources and future-directed thinking significantly enhance adolescents’ behavioural adjustment. It was recommended that schools implement interventions that strengthen psychosocial skills and future orientation among students to promote positive behavioural outcomes and reduce maladaptive behaviours in secondary schools.