Authors : Nkanu, Nkanu Ovai; Ushie, Sylvanus A.; Ushie, Baniel Akin

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bpaktthz

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3uf4ev3f

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun007

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Abstract : Adolescence is a critical developmental period cumbered with significant psychological, emotional, social, and behavioural changes. Growing reports of truancy, aggression, substance abuse, examination malpractice, cult-related activities, poor emotional regulation, and school maladjustment among secondary school students have increased concerns among educators, counsellors, parents, and policymakers. This study investigated psychological predictors of adolescent behavioural adjustment among public secondary school students in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study drew insight from Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory, Bandura's Social Learning Theory, and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. A descriptive survey design was employed. The population comprised 45,550 students enrolled in public secondary schools across Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Odukpani, Akamkpa, and Biase Local Government Areas. Fifty public secondary schools were randomly selected, while a sample of 1,200 students was drawn using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Psychological Predictors and Adolescent Adjustment Questionnaire (PPAAQ). The instrument yielded a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of .89. Mean, standard deviation, multiple regression, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA were adopted for data analysis at .05 significance level. Findings showed that self-esteem, emotional regulation, peer influence, family support, and academic self-concept significantly predicted adolescent behavioural adjustment. Emotional regulation emerged as the strongest predictor. Significant differences in behavioural adjustment were also observed across demographic groups. The study concluded that psychological variables play critical roles in adolescent adjustment and should be considered in parenting and counselling interventions. It was recommended that schools strengthen counselling services, while parents adopt supportive and responsive parenting approaches to enhance adolescents' psychosocial development.

Keywords : Adolescent Behaviour, Behavioural Adjustment, Psychological Predictors, Parenting Practices, School Counselling, Secondary School Students.

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