Authors : Benjamin O. Nwankwo, Eunice U. Nwoke, Uche M. Chukwuocha, Adolphus O. Obanny, Kachy S. Nwoga, Uchechukwu O. Iwuagwu and Chinwe Okereke
Abstract: Behaviour is considered abnormal or antisocial if it does not conform to what society expects. These anti social behaviours according to findings are more common among the adolescents, hence the rationale for this study among adolescents in Owerri Municipal. The study lasted four months (September-December, 2009). The sample for this study consists of 500 randomly selected adolescents drawn from five randomly selected secondary schools in Owerri municipal. The major instrument used for primary data collection was a self constructed but validated questionnaire that sought information on respondents bio data, prevalence of anti social behaviour, causes as well as association between the most prevalent forms of anti social behaviour and respondents� bio data. The study concluded that much antisocial behaviour exists among adolescents in secondary schools in Owerri Municipal with cultism being the most prevalent. Peer influence was found to be the major factor responsible for the prevalence of these antisocial behaviours among the sampled adolescents. These anti social behaviours were found to be significantly associated with the respondents gender, religion, parents economic status and parenting style (p<0.05). It is recommended among others that in line with the spirit of the laudable objectives of family planning, parents should endeavour to bear children they can comfortably cater for which includes appropriately providing for their needs economically, morally, psychologically and socially.
Benjamin O. Nwankwo, Eunice U. Nwoke, Uche M. Chukwuocha, Adolphus O. Obanny, Kachy S. Nwoga, Uchechukwu O. Iwuagwu and Chinwe Okereke, 2010. Prevalence and Predictors of Anti Social Behaviours: A Cross Sectional Survey of Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Owerri Municipal, South East Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 7: 129-136.