Socio-Cultural Problems and Maladaptive Behaviours of Post-Adolescents across Culture in Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

Abstract

Through survey research design, this study investigated the socio-cultural problems and maladaptive behaviours of post-adolescents in Nigeria. Out of 379 National Youth Service Corps (N. Y. S. C.) members drawn from various parts of Nigeria for the 2010/2011 service year, deployed to Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, 180 formed the sample size. Information from the respondents was obtained in line with the research questions that guided the study using Post-Adolescent Behaviour Problem Inventory (PBPI). Using descriptive statistics for data analysis, it was discovered that armed robbery, examination fraud, poor attitude to work, addiction to substances and living above income are witnessed across culture in Nigeria. Specifically, kidnapping is a major problem in the South East and South-South geopolitical zones while political thuggery, and wanton destruction of lives and property are common in the South West and Northern Nigeria. Besides, religious intolerance and tribalism feature more in the north than any other place in Nigeria. These problems are mainly due to poor leadership and youth unemployment. The paper recommended behaviour modification, mentoring, cognitive restructuring and assertive training among others as contemporary counselling strategies that can checkmate post-adolescent problems and maladaptive behaviours across culture in Nigeria.

Keywords: socio-cultural, maladaptive, post-adolescents and counselling.