Prevalence of Impulsivity among Junior Secondary Students in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The study sampled 200 early adolescents (120 males and 80 females) using a developed and tested model that provided a causal explanation on Five-Factor Model of personality (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to expression, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and gender. Data collection was done through the use of two valid and reliable instruments (NEO Five-Factor Inventory=0.83; Social Reactivity Scale=0.72). The data were analyzed using multiple regression and path analysis in order to estimate the coefficient of structural equations of the hypothesized model. Results from the analysis indicated that the most meaningful causal model was tenable. And that the six predicting variables accounted for 33.5% (direct effect) and 66.5% (indirect effect) of the variability in the criterion. Although, the significant causal influence of the Five-Factor Model and gender investigated suggested that early adolescents’ rebelliousness could be predicted using the variables, openness to expression and agreeableness have the most direct causal influence on early adolescents’ rebelliousness. The implications of the findings for counselling, education and development of early adolescents were discussed.

Key Words: Early Adolescents, Rebelliousness, Five-Factor Model, Nigeria.