Environmental Variables and Adolescent Behavioural and Emotional Outcomes in Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Influence of Environmental Factors on Adolescent Behavioural and Emotional Outcomes in Ogun State Secondary Schools, Nigeria. This study examined how environmental factors influence adolescents’ behavioural and emotional outcomes in secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population is comprised of senior secondary school students in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of Ogun State. Using stratified random sampling, 150 students aged 13-19 were selected from three schools, one from each location.  Data was collected using a researcher-developed instrument, the Environmental Variables and Behavioural Patterns Inventory [EVBPI], a 36-item questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale. The instrument had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability of 0.82. Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA for location effects and two-way ANOVA for interaction effects at 0.05 significance level.  Findings showed a significant difference in behavioural and emotional outcomes across urban, semi-urban, and rural locations [F(2,147) = x.xx, p < .05]. Specifically, students in urban areas reported higher incidence of disruptive behaviour, while those in rural areas scored higher on emotional resilience. No significant interaction effect was found between location and gender.  The study concludes that school and neighbourhood environment significantly shape adolescent behaviour and emotion. It recommends that the Ministry of Education and school administrators strengthen counselling services, improve school environments, and implement location-specific intervention programmes. Professional counsellors should design coping strategies tailored to the environmental challenges faced by students in each location.

Keywords: Environmental variables, adolescence, school, emotional, behavioural pattern, output