Project – Psycho-Social influence on Single Parenthood and Family Background on Adolescent Self-concept on Teenagers in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Single parenthood and family background have been identified as significant factors influencing adolescent self-concept in Nigeria. According to Akinboye (2001), the family is the primary socializing agent that shapes an individual’s self-concept. The study found that adolescents from single-parent families often have lower self-concept compared to those from two-parent families. This is attributed to the lack of a stable family structure, which often results in emotional instability and low self-esteem.

In a similar vein, Omoegun and Akanle (2007) explored the psycho-social influence of single parenthood on adolescents in Nigeria. They found that single parenthood often leads to financial instability, which in turn affects the adolescent’s self-concept. The study also revealed that adolescents from single-parent families often face societal stigma, which negatively impacts their self-esteem and overall self-concept.

Family background also plays a crucial role in shaping an adolescent’s self-concept. According to Adebayo and Oni (2002), adolescents from low socio-economic backgrounds often have a lower self-concept compared to those from high socio-economic backgrounds. This is because they often face financial constraints, which limit their access to quality education and other opportunities for personal development.

Furthermore, a study by Oyefeso and Adegoke (2003) found that adolescents from broken homes often have a negative self-concept. This is attributed to the lack of a stable family structure, which often results in emotional instability. The study also revealed that these adolescents often face societal stigma, which further lowers their self-concept.

However, it is important to note that single parenthood and family background are not the only factors that influence an adolescent’s self-concept. Other factors such as peer influence, school environment, and personal experiences also play a significant role. According to Akinboye (2001), these factors interact with each other to shape an adolescent’s self-concept.

Single parenthood and family background significantly influence adolescent self-concept in Nigeria. However, more research is needed to explore the interplay of these factors and how they can be addressed to improve the self-concept of adolescents in Nigeria.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of psycho-social influence on single parenthood and family background on adolescent self-concept among teenagers in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA) is a complex and multifaceted issue. The rise in single-parent families has been linked to a variety of psycho-social challenges that affect the self-concept of adolescents (Amato, 2005). These challenges often stem from the lack of a stable family structure, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem among teenagers.

The socio-economic conditions in PHALGA further exacerbate these issues. Many single parents struggle to provide for their families, leading to increased stress and anxiety among adolescents (Astone & McLanahan, 1991). This can negatively impact their self-concept, as they may feel inadequate or inferior compared to their peers from two-parent families.

Moreover, the cultural context of Nigeria, where the traditional family structure is highly valued, can further compound the negative effects of single parenthood on adolescent self-concept (Oyserman, Bybee, & Terry, 2006). Teenagers from single-parent families may feel stigmatized or marginalized, leading to feelings of isolation and low self-worth.

The lack of social support for single parents in PHALGA is another significant problem. Without adequate support, single parents may struggle to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their children, which is crucial for the development of a positive self-concept in adolescence (Simons, Beaman, Conger, & Chao, 1993).

Furthermore, the impact of family background on adolescent self-concept is not well understood in the Nigerian context. More research is needed to understand how different family structures and socio-economic conditions influence the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA.

The psycho-social influence of single parenthood and family background on adolescent self-concept is a pressing issue in PHALGA. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach that includes social support for single parents, economic empowerment, and research into the specific challenges faced by teenagers in this region.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Psycho-Social influence on Single Parenthood And Family Background on Adolescent Self-concept on Teenagers in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA).

1. To examine the psycho-social influence of single parenthood on the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA.

2. To investigate the impact of family background on the self-concept of adolescents in PHALGA.

3. To assess the correlation between single parenthood and adolescent self-concept in the context of PHALGA.

4. To evaluate the role of socio-economic status of single parents in shaping the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are stated below:

1. How does the psycho-social influence of single parenthood affect the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA?
2. What is the impact of family background on the self-concept of adolescents in PHALGA?
3. Is there a correlation between single parenthood and adolescent self-concept in the context of PHALGA?
4. How does the socio-economic status of single parents shape the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Psycho-Social influence has no significant impact on single parenthood on the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA

H1: Psycho-Social influence has significant impact on single parenthood on the self-concept of teenagers in PHALGA

1.6. Significance of the Study

The study of the psycho-social influence of single parenthood and family background on adolescent self-concept in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA) holds significant importance in several ways. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and experiences faced by teenagers in single-parent households. This understanding can be instrumental in developing targeted interventions and support systems to help these teenagers navigate their developmental years effectively.

Secondly, the study sheds light on the role of family background in shaping the self-concept of adolescents. This knowledge can be used by educators, counselors, and policymakers to design programs and policies that take into account the diverse family backgrounds of adolescents in PHALGA. It can also help in creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that caters to the needs of all students, regardless of their family structure.

Thirdly, the study contributes to the existing body of literature on adolescent development in the Nigerian context. It adds a new dimension to our understanding of how socio-economic and familial factors influence adolescent self-concept. This can pave the way for further research in this area, leading to a more nuanced understanding of adolescent development in Nigeria.

Fourthly, the findings of this study can be used by social workers and community organizations working with single-parent families in PHALGA. The insights gained from this study can inform their practices and help them provide more effective support to single parents and their children.

Fifthly, the study can also have implications for mental health professionals working with adolescents. Understanding the impact of single parenthood and family background on adolescent self-concept can help them develop more effective therapeutic interventions for adolescents struggling with self-concept issues.

Lastly, the study can also inform public discourse and policy debates on single parenthood and adolescent development. By providing empirical evidence on the psycho-social influence of single parenthood and family background on adolescent self-concept, the study can contribute to more informed and nuanced discussions on these issues.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the Psycho-Social influence on Single Parenthood And Family Background on Adolescent Self-concept on Teenagers in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA). The study is limited to Teenagers in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA).

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Psycho-Social influence: This refers to the effects of social factors on an individual’s mind or behavior. It encompasses the impact of societal norms, attitudes, and expectations on a person’s psychological well-being and social functioning.

Single Parenthood: Single parenthood refers to a parent who is raising one or more children on their own, without the involvement of the other biological parent on a day-to-day basis. This could be due to various reasons such as death, divorce, abandonment, or even by personal choice.

Family Background: Family background refers to the details about a person’s family, including the economic status, education level, cultural background, and family structure. It is believed to have a significant influence on a person’s development and life choices.

Adolescent: An adolescent is a young person who is developing into an adult. This period typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 19, and is characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes.

Self-concept: Self-concept is an individual’s perception of themselves, including beliefs about personal attributes, abilities, and the value as a person. It is shaped by experiences, interactions, and reflections.

Teenagers: Teenagers are individuals who are between the ages of 13 and 19. This period is often associated with adolescence, a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood.

Project – Psycho-Social influence on Single Parenthood and Family Background on Adolescent Self-concept on Teenagers in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA)