Influence of witnessing domestic violence on the self concept of adolescents in Lagos mainland

Abstract

This study examined the impact of witnessing domestic violence on the self-concept of adolescents in Lagos mainland. This study was  limited to adolescents in public secondary schools in Mainland Local Government Area Lagos State. Descriptive survey research design  was used in the study. The respondents were one hundred and fifty (150) selected from (5) five senior secondary schools in Mainland  Local Government Area of Lagos State. Five (5) schools were selected using stratified sampling technique. Then respondents were  selected from the five schools using stratified random sampling technique based on gender and witnessing of domestic violence. The  opinions of the selected respondents were captured with the use of a researcher-developed questionnaire entitled “Witnessing Domestic  Violence Questionnaire” (WDVQ). T-test and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical tools at 0.05 level of significance were used  in the analysis of the data. The results of the study reveal a significant influence of witnessing domestic violence on adolescents' self- concept, with gender differences playing a role. However, age and socioeconomic status do not show significant impacts. The findings underscore the serious implications of witnessing domestic violence on adolescents' social adjustment and psychological development,  emphasizing potential gender-related variations in these experiences. Implementing school-based counseling programs, community  awareness campaigns, and targeted support for affected adolescents can contribute to mitigating the adverse effects and fostering a  healthier development of their self-concept.