JOINT INFLUENCE OF PSYCHO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON ADOLESCENTS’ GAMBLING BEHAVIOUR IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the joint influence of psycho-demographic variables on adolescents gambling behaviour in Rivers State. The study used the ex-post-facto and correlational research designs. One research questions and one corresponding hypothesis guided the study. The population of the study comprised all 9636 students in senior secondary class two from 3 Local Government Areas (Obio/Apkor, Ahoada East, and Eleme) in the 3 Senatorial Zones of Rivers West, East, and Rivers South of Rivers State, Nigeria. A sample of 963 students (male 581 and female 382) was randomly drawn using purposive sampling technique from the 40 schools in the sampled 3 Local Government Areas. Four instruments were used to collect data for the study and they include; Adolescent Gambling Behaviour Index (AGBI), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) and Peer Group Influence Scale (PGIS). The Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instruments; the reliability coefficients obtained were 0.78, 0.76, 0.69, and 0.71 respectively. The research question and corresponding hypothesis were analyzed with Anova and multiple regression statistics. The finding of the study shows that psycho-demographic variables (gender, peer group, location, self-esteem and emotional intelligence) jointly relate significantly to gambling behaviour among secondary school adolescents in Rivers State. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that parents and care givers should endeavour to check and moderate the activities of their children from time to time. This will help in reducing some mischievous activities that are carried on by adolescents’ both at home and in school. Article visualizations