Psychosocial Correlates as Predictors of Voting Behaviour in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the influence of some psychosocial factors (age, gender, perceived benefit, self-esteem, personality, and personal attributes of the candidate, religious and ethnic affiliation) on the voting behaviour of Nigerians. The participants were 3276 (male=112, female=1164) selected
within the age range of 18 to 45 years. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using some psychological scales and self-designed questionnaire. Analysis of data shows that some psychosocial correlates were found prominent in predicting the voting behaviour of Nigerians. Among them were perceived benefit, self-esteem, personality, religious affiliation and ethnic affiliation. The implications of the study were also discussed.

Key Words: Voting behaviour, Psychosocial, Personality.