Effects of Peer Modelling Technique in Reducing Substance Abuse among Undergraduates in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The current trend of substance abuse among youth is a major national concern, it is troubling, it has derogatory effects on youth such as health and behavioural problems, or even death. The study investigated the effects of peer modelling techniques in reducing substance abuse among undergraduates in Nigeria. The participants were one hundred and twenty (120) undergraduate students in 100 and 400 levels respectively. There are two groups: one treatment group and one control group. A researcher-designed a questionnaire titled “Substance Abuse Questionnaire” was used to collect necessary data for the study. Research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The hypotheses were tested using abuse between treatment group and the control group that received placebo. There was no significant difference on the reduction of substance abuse of participants in the treatment group based on gender. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that the tertiary institutions should have a functioning counselling centers; school counsellors should be making use of peer modelling techniques to correct bad behaviours among undergraduates; school counsellors shoul be recognizing different educative programmes to encourage healthy living among undergraduates.

Keywords: Effects, Peer Modelling, Substance Abuse, Undergraduates