Ear Piercing Behaviour and Self-Esteem among Male University Students in Nigeria

The study focused on ear piercing behaviour and self-esteem among male university students in Nigeria. Two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses were formulated in the study. A mixed-methods design was adopted in the study. It combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The sample size used for this study is 600 participants in the study area. A purposive sampling technique was used in the study. Participants are selected based on specific criteria. A self-structured instrument titled “Ear Piercing Behaviour and Self-esteem Questionnaire - EPBSQ” and interviews were used as the instrument to collect data from participants. The researcher administered a total of 600 questionnaires to randomly selected participants and 13 participants were interviewed in the study area. Mean scores, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Statistics was used to analyse the data at 0.05 level of significance while Thematic analysis was adopted for the interpretation of responses. The study concluded that reducing ear piercing behaviour among male university students in Nigeria is a sign of masking and requires a multifaceted approach: health education to highlight risks, alternative self-expression outlets, regulatory measures, culturally sensitive engagement, and psychological interventions to boost self-esteem. There is an urgent need to tailor interventions to local cultural and social dynamics.