The effect of peer-grouping on juvenile delinquent behaviours in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The recent cases of ganging amongst the youth have been on the high side irrespective of the sensitization campaign in the nation at large. Some of these gangs formed have been sources of violence and some social behavioural instability that are ravaging our country Nigeria. This however made it quite imperative to carry out this research work. This study therefore investigated the effect of Peer-grouping on juvenile delinquent behaviours. The area is Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State. A sample of 200 students who were within the juvenile group age – brackets were randomly selected from 10 schools all in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area. Questionnaire was used to gather data. Five null hypotheses were formulated for the research work. However, T-test statistics was used to test each of the hypotheses. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that, two formulated hypotheses were accepted. This implies that there is no significant difference between the female and male responses concerning peer-grouping. There is no significant difference in the gender difference in involvement in juvenile delinquent behaviour.

These findings were situated within the already existing body of knowledge and their implication for counselling education were discussed while recommendations were made.

Keywords: Peer-grouping, Juvenile, Delinquent Behaviours, Gender