Project – Parenting styles and peer influence as predictors of health risk behavior among secondary school students in FCT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Health risk behaviors (HRBs) among adolescents—such as substance abuse, early sexual activity, truancy, and delinquency—are increasingly becoming a public health concern globally. Research suggests that these behaviors often emerge during adolescence and are influenced by various psychosocial factors, with parenting style and peer influence being among the most significant. The family unit is typically a child’s first socializing agent, and parental practices lay the groundwork for behavioral norms. Baumrind’s (1967) classic typology of parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—continues to serve as a foundational framework in understanding adolescent behavior. Among these, the authoritative style, characterized by warmth, support, and firm control, has been associated with lower levels of risky behavior (Lamborn et al., 1991).

Authoritative parenting, in particular, has consistently shown protective effects against health risk behaviors. Adolescents raised in authoritative households report higher levels of self-control, academic motivation, and resistance to peer pressure, which collectively reduce their propensity toward risky behaviors (Steinberg, 2001). In contrast, authoritarian parenting, marked by strict discipline and low responsiveness, often results in rebellion and secrecy among adolescents, increasing their likelihood of engaging in risky conduct (Hoeve et al., 2009). Permissive parenting, while warm, lacks sufficient control and monitoring, which may fail to set clear boundaries for behavior. Meanwhile, neglectful parenting correlates most strongly with adverse outcomes, including substance abuse and early sexual initiation (Dishion & McMahon, 1998).

Peer influence, particularly during adolescence, is another significant predictor of HRBs. As adolescents begin to spend more time with peers than parents, their behaviors and norms increasingly mirror those of their social circles. Brown et al. (1993) emphasized that peer pressure can directly encourage behaviors like smoking, drinking, or sexual activity, especially when those behaviors are seen as normative within the group. Moreover, adolescents with low parental supervision or poor parent-child communication are more susceptible to negative peer influence (Steinberg & Monahan, 2007). Peer group conformity becomes a critical concern, especially in school environments where the desire for social acceptance is high.

Interestingly, the interaction between parenting style and peer influence is also critical. For example, adolescents with authoritative parents may be better equipped to resist negative peer pressure due to the presence of open communication and internalized values (Mounts & Steinberg, 1995). Conversely, those from authoritarian or neglectful homes may seek validation from peers, making them more vulnerable to harmful group dynamics. This interaction suggests that parenting not only directly affects behavior but also moderates the impact of peer influence. Thus, interventions aimed at reducing adolescent HRBs may benefit from strengthening both parental engagement and peer resistance skills.

Cultural and socioeconomic factors further complicate these relationships. In collectivist societies, for instance, authoritarian parenting may not predict risk behavior as strongly as it does in individualistic cultures, where autonomy is more highly valued (Chao, 1994). Additionally, students from low-income backgrounds may face additional stressors, such as exposure to neighborhood violence or limited access to positive recreational activities, increasing both peer influence and the effects of neglectful parenting (Leventhal & Brooks-Gunn, 2000). These contextual variables highlight the need for culturally and socially sensitive approaches in researching and addressing HRBs among adolescents.

In summary, existing literature underscores that both parenting styles and peer influence are crucial in shaping adolescents’ engagement in health risk behaviors. Authoritative parenting serves as a protective factor, while peer pressure often acts as a risk factor—particularly in the absence of strong parental guidance. The interplay between these two domains, along with cultural and socioeconomic context, creates a complex web of influences on adolescent development. Understanding these dynamics can inform school-based interventions, parental training programs, and youth counseling services that aim to mitigate risky behaviors among secondary school students.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Health risk behaviors among adolescents, such as substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, unhealthy dietary habits, and violent conduct, continue to pose significant public health concerns globally and within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These behaviors, often developed during adolescence, can have long-term adverse consequences on physical, emotional, and social well-being. The transition from childhood to adolescence is marked by significant psychological and social changes, making this developmental stage particularly vulnerable to external influences. Despite various interventions, these risk behaviors remain prevalent in many secondary schools in FCT, warranting a deeper exploration into their underlying causes.

One major influence on adolescent behavior is the family environment, particularly parenting styles. Research has shown that parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—can significantly shape a child’s values, discipline, and decision-making abilities. Inconsistent discipline, lack of supervision, and poor communication have been linked to increased susceptibility to engaging in risky behaviors. In the FCT, where socio-economic and cultural dynamics vary widely, the impact of different parenting approaches on adolescent conduct has not been fully examined, especially in relation to their contribution to health risk behaviors.

In parallel, peer influence stands out as another critical factor during adolescence. At this stage, peer groups often become a primary source of identity, support, and behavioral modeling. Adolescents tend to adopt the behaviors, attitudes, and values of their peers in a bid to gain acceptance and avoid social exclusion. This influence can either reinforce healthy behaviors or encourage detrimental ones, depending on the prevailing norms within the peer group. However, limited empirical data exists within the FCT context on how peer dynamics interact with family influences to shape adolescent health behavior.

The interplay between parenting styles and peer influence is particularly important because they do not operate in isolation. For instance, a strong, supportive parenting style may buffer the negative effects of peer pressure, while neglectful parenting may intensify adolescents’ reliance on peers for guidance and validation. Understanding the combined impact of these two variables is crucial for developing holistic interventions aimed at reducing health risk behaviors among secondary school students.

Despite the growing awareness of adolescent health issues in Nigeria, most existing studies have focused on either family background or peer influence independently. There is a significant gap in research that simultaneously examines the predictive power of parenting styles and peer influence, particularly in the diverse socio-cultural setting of the FCT. This gap limits the ability of policymakers, educators, and health professionals to design effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of students in this region.

Therefore, this study seeks to address this critical gap by investigating how parenting styles and peer influence serve as predictors of health risk behavior among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory. By identifying the relative and combined effects of these factors, the study aims to inform the development of targeted programs that foster healthier decision-making among adolescents, ultimately contributing to the reduction of health risk behaviors and promoting overall youth well-being.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Parenting styles and peer influence as predictors of health risk behavior among secondary school students in FCT. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the relationship between different parenting styles and health risk behaviors among secondary school students.
2. To investigate the impact of peer influence on health risk behaviors among secondary school students.
3. To determine the combined effect of parenting styles and peer influence on health risk behaviors among secondary school students.
4. To identify any gender differences in the relationship between parenting styles, peer influence, and health risk behaviors among secondary school students.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the relationship between different parenting styles and health risk behaviors among secondary school students?
2. How does peer influence impact health risk behaviors among secondary school students?
3. What is the combined effect of parenting styles and peer influence on health risk behaviors among secondary school students?
4. Are there any gender differences in the relationship between parenting styles, peer influence, and health risk behaviors among secondary school students?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The research hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Peer influence has no significant impact on health risk behaviors among secondary school students

H1: Peer influence has significant impact on health risk behaviors among secondary school students

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing health risk behaviors among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. By examining parenting styles and peer influence concurrently, the research will offer valuable insights into how these two key socialization agents shape adolescents’ choices and behaviors. The findings will contribute to existing literature by bridging the gap between family and peer-related studies, which are often treated independently, thereby offering a more holistic perspective on adolescent development.

For parents and guardians, the study offers practical guidance on the effects of various parenting styles on adolescent behavior. Understanding whether authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful approaches are linked to higher or lower levels of health risk behaviors can help parents reflect on and possibly adjust their parenting strategies. This is particularly important in the FCT, where urbanization, cultural diversity, and socio-economic challenges may influence parenting approaches. The study’s findings can thus empower parents to play a more proactive role in safeguarding their children’s health and well-being.

Educators and school administrators also stand to benefit from this research. Schools serve as a secondary environment where peer interactions occur most frequently. Understanding how peer influence contributes to risky behaviors among students can inform the development of school-based intervention programs such as peer mentoring, counseling, and life skills education. These programs can be tailored to counteract negative peer pressure and reinforce positive behavior, especially among students who may not receive adequate guidance at home.

Policymakers and public health professionals will find the study useful for formulating targeted strategies and campaigns aimed at reducing adolescent health risk behaviors. By highlighting the predictive roles of parenting and peer influence, the research supports the design of community and school-based initiatives that engage both parents and students. These could include parenting workshops, youth empowerment programs, and collaborative efforts between schools, families, and community leaders to create supportive environments for adolescents.

Moreover, the study holds academic value for researchers and scholars interested in adolescent psychology, public health, education, and social work. It offers empirical evidence from a Nigerian context, particularly the FCT, which is often underrepresented in psychological and behavioral research. The findings may inspire further studies or comparative research in other regions, contributing to a broader understanding of adolescent behavior in diverse cultural settings.

Finally, for the adolescents themselves, this study could lead to the development of supportive frameworks that promote healthy decision-making and resilience against negative influences. By identifying the critical role that family and peers play in shaping their behavior, interventions can be designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices. Ultimately, this study aspires to contribute to the creation of safer, healthier school environments and a brighter future for Nigerian youth.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines Parenting styles and peer influence as predictors of health risk behavior among secondary school students in FCT. The study is limited to students of selected Secondary schools in FCT.

1.8.  Operational Definition of Terms

Parenting Styles: Parenting styles refer to the consistent strategies, attitudes, and behaviors that parents use in raising their children. These styles are commonly categorized into four types: authoritative, and neglectful(low responsiveness and low demands). Each style can significantly influence a child’s behavior, development, and decision-making process.

Peer Influence: Peer influence is the effect that individuals of similar age or social group have on a person’s attitudes, values, and behaviors. During adolescence, peers become a powerful social force, often shaping how young people think, feel, and act—particularly when it comes to adopting or resisting risky behaviors.

Predictors: Predictors are variables or factors that can be used to anticipate or explain the occurrence of a specific outcome or behavior. In the context of this study, parenting styles and peer influence are being examined as predictors, meaning they are factors that may influence or determine the likelihood of students engaging in health risk behaviors.

Health Risk Behavior: Health risk behavior refers to actions taken by individuals—especially adolescents—that can negatively affect their physical, emotional, or social health. These include behaviors such as smoking, drug and alcohol use, unsafe sexual practices, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, and involvement in violence or delinquency.

Secondary School Students: Secondary school students are adolescents enrolled in the post-primary level of education, typically ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. In Nigeria, secondary education includes junior secondary (JSS1–JSS3) and senior secondary (SS1–SS3) levels. These students are in a developmental stage where they are particularly vulnerable to external influences such as parenting and peer pressure.

FCT (Federal Capital Territory): FCT stands for Federal Capital Territory, the administrative region in central Nigeria where the capital city, Abuja, is located. It is a diverse and rapidly developing area with both urban and rural communities, making it a unique setting for studying adolescent behaviors and social influences.

Project – Parenting styles and peer influence as predictors of health risk behavior among secondary school students in FCT