INFLUENCE OF PEER PRESSURE AND CIGARETTES USE ON MENTAL HEALTH OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of peer pressure and cigarettes use on mental health of secondary school students in Makurdi. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design. Participants in the study were three hundred and sixty-eight (368) secondary school students domiciled in Makurdi, who were aged between 12 to 17 years old. The Peer Pressure Scale, Cigarette Use Scale and General Psychological Health Questionnaire were used to test the research hypothesis using multiple linear regression analysis. Result revealed a significant influence of peer pressure and cigarettes use on mental health of secondary school students domiciled in Makurdi [R=.327, R2=.107, F(2,365)=21.860, p<.01]. In the model, cigarettes use made significant negative contribution (? = -.226), while peer pressure made positive (? = .203) contribution on mental health. Based on the result of this study, schools should prioritize health education by increasing awareness on the adverse mental health problems of cigarette smoking among adolescents. Psychotherapeutic services by clinical psychologists on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psycho-education should emphasize the significance of positive influence of peer pressure on mental health of secondary schools students.   Keywords: peer pressure, cigarette use, mental health, secondary school students, Makurdi