Abstract

The study examined the componential factors (family influence, peer relations, social media influence and locus of control) affecting gangsterism among adolescents in Ibadan. The study adopted a descriptive survey research. The study population comprised of secondary school adolescents in Ibadan metropolis. Using a simple random sampling technique, ten (10) students were selected from the fifty (50) randomly selected schools, five (5) in each of the Local Government Areas LGA’s that made up Ibadan Metropolis. In all, a total of five hundred (500) adolescents comprising of 356 males and 144 females within the age range of 11 and 19 years were used for the study. Reliable instruments were used to collect data, (Adolescent Gangsterism Behaviour Profile α =.82, Family influence scale (0.79); peer influence Questionnaire (0.80); Social media Scale (0.85); and locus of control Scale (0.76). Data collected from were analyzed using PPMC and multiple regression analysis. The result showed that there exists significant and positive correlations exist between the variables. The findings showed there was a significant positive relationship between each of the independent variables: Family Influence (r = 0.183, P < 0.05); Peer influence (r = 0.149, P < 0.05); Media Influence (r = 0.684, P < 0.05); and Locus of control (r = 0.641, P < 0.05). There was joint effect of the independent variables (Family Influence, Peer Influence, Media Influence, Locus of control and self efficacy) on gangsterism behaviour of adolescents (R = 0.794, P <.05). 62.6% of the variance was accounted for by the predictor variables when taken together. The significance of the composite contribution was tested at (P < .05). It was recommended that Public enlightenment programmes should be mounted by the government and that Parents and guardians should bridge up the communication gaps between them their adolescents so as to understand and appreciate their nature, aspirations and yearnings. It was also noted that there should be improvement in the delivery of guidance and counseling services.