Research Article

PEER INFLUENCE AS A PREDICTOR OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Evelyn Ofure OBOZOKHAE1*
1 Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: evelyn.obozokhae@uniben.edu
Published: Jun, 2026
Pages: 163-172
Views: 11
Downloads: 8

Abstract

This study examined peer influence as a predictor of substance addiction among secondary school students in EdoState, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the increasing prevalence of substance-related behaviours amongadolescents and the need to understand the role of social factors in shaping such behaviours. A correlationalresearch design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all secondary school students in the studyarea, from which a representative sample was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collectedusing a structured questionnaire based on a substance use/addiction scale, which measured students’ exposure toand involvement in various psychoactive substances. The findings revealed that peer influence significantlypredicts substance addiction among secondary school students. Students who are associated with peers whoengage in substance use were more likely to exhibit addictive behaviours. The study also showed that peerpressure, modelling, and the desire for social acceptance were key mechanisms through which peer groupsinfluenced substance-related behaviours. Based on the findings, it was concluded that peer influence plays acritical role in shaping substance addiction among adolescents. Therefore, the study recommends that schooladministrators and counsellors should implement peer-led intervention programmes and strengthen guidance andcounselling services to help students develop resistance skills against negative peer pressure and reduce theincidence of substance addiction in secondary schools.

Keywords

Peer influence substance addiction adolescents secondary school students counselling Nigeria

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How to Cite

OBOZOKHAE, E. O. (2026). PEER INFLUENCE AS A PREDICTOR OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 21(1), 163-172.

E. O. OBOZOKHAE, "PEER INFLUENCE AS A PREDICTOR OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 163-172, June 2026.

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