The Role of Parenting Styles and Peer Pressure in Shaping Risky Behaviour Tendencies among Undergraduate Students in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how parenting styles and peer pressure interact to influence students' decisions to engage in risky activities among undergraduate students in Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted using three hundred and fifty (350) undergraduate students who were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected from the respondents using the Perceived Parenting Style Scale developed by Divya & Manikandan (2013), the Revised Peer-Pressure Scale Questionnaire by Saini & Singh (2016), and the Risky Impulsive and Self-Destructive Behaviour Questionnaire by Sadeh & Baskin-Sommers (2016). Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the data. The results showed that Authoritative parenting style ( = -.11; t = -1.79, p >.05) did not have a statistically significant influence on risky behaviour tendencies. Authoritarian parenting style (= .15; t = 2.54, p < .05) and permissive parenting style ( = .21; t = 3.20, p < .05) had a significant impact on risky behaviour tendencies. Additionally, peer pressure significantly influenced risky behaviour tendencies (= .44; t = 8.92, p < .05). The combined influence of parenting styles and peer pressure on risky behaviour tendencies was found to be statistically significant (F (4,331) = 25.32, p < .05. To conclude, the influence of parenting styles and peer pressure on the risky behaviour tendencies of undergraduate students in Ogun State is pivotal and warrants attention. It is recommended that educational programs focussing on self-awareness and assertiveness and campaigns targeting risky behaviours be introduced to equip students with the necessary skills for navigating challenges and making informed decisions. Keywords: Parenting styles, Peer pressure, Risky behaviours, Undergraduate Students.