Influence of religiosity, locus of control and value on identity formation of early adolescents in private secondary schools in Nnewi North Local Government, Anambra State

The study aimed at investigating some factors impacting identity formation among early adolescents in secondary school, Nnewi North, Anambra State. The study adopted a descriptive correlational design in exploring the impact of value clarification, locus of control and religiosity on identity formation. The study target population was 9,680 students in Private Schools comprising 4,356 male students and 5,324 female students. The sample of the study consists of 200 adolescents: 90 male students and 110 female students who were randomly chosen from these Private schools in the local government. The age of the students range between 12 and 16 and their mean age was obtained as 13.2. Four validated instruments were used in collecting data for the study. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression Analysis were used in analyzing data obtained. The result showed that identity formation significantly correlated with value clarification(r= .288; P<0.05); locus of control (r= .412; P<0.05); and religiosity(r= .263; P<0.05). Further analysis showed joint predictive influence of three variables on identity formation with adjusted R2 obtained as 19.7%. Locus of control made the most significant contribution to the identity formation, (Beta= .312; t= 4.351; P<0.05); and closely followed by value clarification, (Beta= .170; t= 2.536; P<0.05). The study raised implication for the need of counselors who could help intervene in psychological problems militating against students. It was recommended that effective skill-building programs should be organized in schools to help adolescents develop skills for healthy identity formation. Key Words: Religiosity, Value, Locus of Control, Identity Formation, Early Adolescents