ABSTRACT

This study investigated the influence of parenting styles and personality traits as predictors of aggressive behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis using the cross sectional survey design. A total number of 213 adolescents comprising of males and females were randomly drawn from different areas and secondary schools in Makurdi metropolis. The study used three standardized instruments which include; Big Five Inventory (BFI) developed by John and Srivastava (1999), Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) developed by Buri (1991) and Aggressive Behaviour Questionnaire (ABQ) developed in (2000) by the Western Psychological Services. Result showed that Parenting styles of (Democratic, Autocratic and Laissez-faire) independently predict aggressive behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis, R= .9982 and R2 =.996; F (1,213) =52202.592; P<0.01); R= .372 and R2 =.138; F (1,213) =34.123; P<0.01); R= .022 and R2 =.000; F (1,213) = 34.100; P<0.01) Therefore, the hypothesis is confirmed and thus accepted in the study. Result further showed that; Personality traits of (Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) independently predict aggressive behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis, R= .236 and R2 =.056; F (5,170) =27.004; P<0.01); Therefore, the hypothesis is confirmed and thus accepted in the study. And lastly, result revealed that; Parenting styles of (Democratic, Autocratic and Laissez-faire) and Personality traits of (Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) jointly predict aggressive behaviour among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis, R= .998 and R2 =.995; F (8,165) =4435.540; P<0.01); Therefore, the hypothesis is confirmed and thus accepted in the study. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended amongst others that; The study therefore recommended that dialogue, communication, explanation and the establishment of good and cordial relationship between parents and children should be encouraged also Personality traits should be taking into consideration since it has linked to aggressive behaviour which may lead the adolescents to commit offenses.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Declaration ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION  

Background to the Study 1 

Statement of the Study 5

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study 6

1.4 Research Questions 6

1.5 Significance of the Study 7

1.6 Scope of the Study 7

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms 7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual Review 9    

2.2 Theoretical Review 23

2.3 Empirical Review 41

2.4 Summary of Literature Review 45

2.5 Hypotheses 46

CHAPTER THREE: METHOD

3.1 Design 47

3.2 Setting 47

3.3 Participants 48

3.4 Sampling 48

3.5 Instruments 48

3.6 Procedure 49

3.7 Data Analysis 50

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS

4.1. Interpretation of Results 51 

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Discussion of Findings 54

5.2 Conclusion 57

5.5 Recommendations 58

5.4 Limitations of the Study 59 

REFERENCES 60  

Appendices 63