Peer Influence, Age and Gender as Correlates of Bullying Behaviour Among in-School Adolescents in Owerri

Abstract

The expression of bullying behaviour in school is a significant problem because of its alarming prevalence and physical and mental health consequences. Thus, this study investigated peer influence, age and gender as correlates of bullying behaviour among in-school adolescents in Owerri. The study adopted a correlation research design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select four hundred in-school adolescents from ten randomly selected secondary schools in Owerri Municipal. Two instruments used were: the Bullying Prevalence Questionnaire (BPQ) (α= .84) and Peer Pressure Inventory (PPI) (α= .96 & 91.). Three research questions were answered at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analysed using Multiple Regression statistical tool. There was significant relationship between peer influence, age, gender and bullying among in-school adolescents. Also, peer influence, age and gender accounted for 76.1% of the total variance on bullying behaviour among in-school adolescents. In order of magnitude, of their impact: peer influence contributed most to the prediction of bullying behaviour among in-school adolescent (β = 0. 546, t = 10.573, P < 0.05) followed by age (β = 0. 498, t = 9.284, P < 0.05) and gender (β = 0. 187, t = 3.578, P < 0.05) to the prediction of bullying behaviour among in-school adolescent. Therefore, government should endeavour to establish counseling centers in schools to assist in the attainment of functional and capacity development of in-school adolescents and reduce the occurrence of bullying in school.