Peer Group Dimensions, Mass Media and Sexual Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Delta North Senatorial District
Abstract
This study examined the relationship that exists between the dimensions of peer group, mass media and sexual behaviour among secondary school students. Nine null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population of this study comprised 16,473 Senior Secondary two (SS 2) students in Delta North Senatorial District. The sample size consisted of 370 students. The multistage sampling procedure was used to select the sample for the study. The data for the study were collected using questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated through experts’ judgement and factor analysis. Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was used to estimate it reliability. The data obtained were analysed using correlation and coefficient of determination to answer the research questions while linear, multiple regression and fisher-z statistics were used to test the stated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study's results indicated a significant association among peer cliques, peer gangs, peer crowds, mass media, and the sexual behavior of Secondary School Students. Specifically, there was a significant correlation between peer crowds and the sexual behavior of Secondary School Students, peer cliques and sexual behavior, peer gangs and sexual behavior, and mass media and sexual behavior. Additionally, the study identified a significant moderating effect of gender in the relationship between peer group dimensions and sexual behavior among Secondary School Students. However, there was no significant moderating influence of location in the relationship between peer group dimensions and sexual behavior, nor in the relationships between mass media and sexual behavior, among Secondary School Students.The study recommended amongst others, that school guidance counsellors and management should implement targeted interventions or awareness campaigns addressing potential risks associated with specific clique behaviours.
