ABUSIVE DATING BEHAVIOURS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- Peter O. Olapegba
- Aanuoluwapo O. Adu
- Peter O. Famakinde
- ( paper pages. 1 - 21 )
Abstract
Adolescence is the crux of sexuality and a period of development marked by theestablishment of intimate relationships with the opposite sex. The occurrencesof abusive dating behaviours at this stage of development are on the rise.Although little attention has been placed on this, these behaviours could serveas risk factors for worse maladaptive behaviours later in life and even themanifestation of psychological distress which is not limited only to the victimsbut as well, the perpetrators. Hence, this study sought to identify the role ofself-esteem, empathy, family background and peer influence in predicting theoccurrence of abusive dating behaviour. Cross-sectional survey design wasemployed in the collection of data from a sample of 219 undergraduates ofUniversity of Ibadan, consisting of 156 females and 63 males. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to measure patterns of abusivedating behaviour, self-esteem, empathy and resistance to peer influence whilefamily background was measured as part of the demographic characteristics.Three hypotheses were tested using T-test and multiple regression analyticaltools. Results reveal that self-esteem, empathy and peer influence hadsignificant joint influence on abusive dating behaviour (F (3,206) = 8.796, p<.05; R 2 = .114). Self-esteem and empathy had significant independentinfluence on abusive dating behaviour [[(β = -.306, p <.05) and (β = .156, p<.05) respectively] while peer influence had no significant independentinfluence on abusive dating behaviour (β = -.020, p >.05). This infers that anundergraduate’s self and empathy are major concerns for engaging in abusivedating, peer influence could only complement the influence of these two factors.It was also found that students from monogamous homes and polygamoushomes did not differ in their abusive dating behaviour (t (213) = .519, p>.05)and that gender differences do not exist in abusive dating behaviour (t (213) =.500, p>.05). This also infers that neither experiences from family backgroundsnor undergraduate’s gender determines abusive dating. It was thereforerecommended that clinical psychologists and counsellors help adolescents whohave been involved in abusive relationships, either as perpetrators or victims tobuild their self-esteem and empathic ability to prevent future reoccurrence.
Citation
Peter O. Olapegba, Aanuoluwapo O. Adu, Peter O. Famakinde.
2018.
"ABUSIVE DATING BEHAVIOURS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS"
The Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies,
60 (2): 1 - 21.
JEL Classification
A13, D71
