The Influence of Socialisation, Family Dynamics, Childhood Trauma, Alcoholism, and Peer Association on Career Aspirations among In-School Adolescents Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined the influence of socialisation, family dynamics, childhood trauma, alcoholism, and peer association on career aspirations among 200 in-school adolescents aged 15 to 24 years in urban Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants were purposively sampled from secondary schools within Lagos. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses. Findings revealed significant positive correlations between career aspirations and both socialisation (r = 0.483) and family dynamics (r = 0.517), highlighting the pivotal role of supportive family environments and positive social interactions in fostering vocational goals. Conversely, childhood trauma (r = -0.364), alcoholism (r = -0.327), and negative peer association (r = -0.487) were negatively correlated with career aspirations, indicating that exposure to adverse experiences and maladaptive peer influences diminish adolescents’ career ambitions. The multiple regression model significantly predicted career aspirations (F(5,194) = 53.272, p < 0.001), explaining 57.7% of the variance, with family dynamics and socialisation emerging as the strongest positive predictors, while peer association, childhood trauma, and alcoholism significantly predicted lower career aspirations. The findings support ecological systems theory by underscoring the interconnected impact of family, social, and individual risk factors on adolescent career development. The study recommends holistic intervention strategies combining family engagement, social skills training, trauma-informed care, and substance abuse prevention to promote resilience and positive vocational outcomes. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and regional focus, with suggestions for longitudinal and qualitative research to further elucidate these relationships. These results contribute to the understanding of psychosocial determinants of career aspirations and inform targeted youth development programmes in Nigeria and similar contexts.