PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MOTIVATIONAL PREDICTORS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIVERS STATE

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 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17736902 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/psychological-and-motivational-predictors-of-substance-abuse-among-secondary-school-students-in-rivers-state