EXAMINING CHILD DEPRIVATION AND PEER INFLUENCE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN IJEBU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

The psychological well-being of adolescents which may be affected by emotional or social factors is vital for proper cognitive, social, and physical functioning, especially in schools as it also contributes to their ability to navigate well within the school environment. This study examined the influence of child deprivation and peer pressure on psychological well-being among in-school adolescents in Ijebu North Area of Ogun State. Specifically, the study determined the individual and joint influence of child deprivation and peer influence on psychological well-being among in-school adolescents in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun state. The study adopted an ex-post-facto research design. Stratified random sampling techniques were used to select 200 respondents that participated in the study. The study used primary data which was obtained by questionnaire. The findings revealed that child deprivation has a significant influence on psychological well-being among in-school adolescents (β = .221; t = 3.343; P < .001). Results also confirmed that peer pressure has a 
significant influence on the psychological well-being of in-school adolescents (β = .277; t = 3.993; P < .000). the study also found that child deprivation and peer influence have independent and joint significant influence on psychological well-being among in-school 
adolescents (R2=.111, F (2,199) = 12.249; p <.005). The study concluded that peer pressure and child deprivation are two significant factors that can significantly influence adolescents’ psychological well-being. Adolescents with higher levels of psychological well-being possess less peer pressure and child deprivation. Based on the findings, the study recommends 
integrating mental health programs within schools to address the psychological impact of child deprivation and peer pressure.