Self-Esteem, Parental Attitude, and School Connectedness as Determinants of Antisocial Behaviour of Adolescents in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the influence of self-esteem, parental attitudes, and school connectedness on antisocial behaviour in adolescents attending public senior secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. The study utilised a descriptive survey research design to investigate the individual and collective impacts of three independent variables: self-esteem, parental attitude (evaluated through aspects of warmth/hostility, knowledge, and monitoring), and school connectedness, on antisocial behaviours, including bullying and intentions related to substance use. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 2,342 senior secondary school students from 120 public schools in Lagos State. Data collection involved the use of validated instruments such as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Parental Attitude Scale, School Connectedness Scale, Bullying and Victimisation Scale, and Substance Use Intention Scale, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.78. The findings indicate a low level of antisocial behaviour among adolescents, with a weighted mean (x̄ = 1.5005), emphasising that verbal bullying is the most prevalent form. The findings from the regression analysis reveal a notable combined influence of self-esteem, parental attitude, and school connectedness on antisocial behaviour (R² = 0.35; F(3, 2231) = 26.602; p < 0.05). Individually, self-esteem (ß = 0.091, t = 4.307, p = 0.000), parental attitude (ß = 0.198, t = 8.348, p = 0.000), and school connectedness (ß = 0.086, t = 3.651, p = 0.000) are significant factors influencing antisocial behaviour. The results indicate that increasing parental engagement, cultivating supportive school environments, and improving adolescents' self-worth can reduce antisocial behaviours. Suggestions encompass the implementation of sophisticated monitoring systems to tackle verbal harassment, workshops aimed at parents that emphasise constructive parenting techniques, and educational initiatives that foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging among students. These initiatives play a crucial role in fostering supportive environments that deter antisocial behaviours among adolescents in Lagos State.