Abstract: The research explored psychological and motivational predictors of substance use among secondary school students in Rivers State. Employing a survey approach, it determined that peer pressure and stress-related reasons were the most significant predictors, while self-esteem and emotional regulation played a moderate role. Motivational aspects, such as curiosity and coping strategies, also had a considerable impact. The study concludes that both psychological and motivational factors influence the substance-use behavior of adolescents and suggests implementing targeted interventions to enhance emotional resilience and mitigate peer influence.
Keywords: Substance use, psychological predictors, motivational factors, secondary school students.
Title: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MOTIVATIONAL PREDICTORS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIVERS STATE
Author: IBEABUCHI, RACHAEL UDOCHUKWU
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025
Page No: 467-473
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 27-November-2025
