INFLUENCE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS' DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

This study investigated the extent to which economic hardship and peer pressure influence delinquent behaviour among SS1 students in public secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis. The study was guided by three specific objectives and three null hypotheses tested at the 0.05 level of significance. A correlational research design was employed to examine the relationships among the variables. The study population consisted of 4,409 SS1 students identified through school disciplinary records as exhibiting delinquent behaviour across 47 public secondary schools. From this population, a sample of 354 students was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling based on the Research Advisors (2006) guideline. Data were gathered using a researchers-developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.81, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis were applied in testing the hypotheses. The results indicated that economic hardship was significantly associated with delinquent behaviour (r = .673, p < .05), and peer pressure also showed a significant relationship with delinquent behaviour (r = .714, p < .05). In addition, both variables jointly explained 61.0% of the variation in delinquent behaviour (R² = .610, F = 274.83, p < .05). These findings suggest that students’ behaviour is shaped by the combined influence of economic conditions and social interactions. Based on this, the study emphasizes the need for interventions that address both financial challenges and peer dynamics within the school environment. It further highlights the role of educational psychologists and counsellors in helping students develop adaptive coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and navigate peer influence more positively, thereby reducing the likelihood of delinquent behaviour.