INFLUENCE OF SOME PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS ON THE PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS

The study investigated the influence of some psychosocial factors on the prosocial behaviour of in-school adolescents. Descriptive survey research design method was adopted for the study with a population of in-school adolescents with age bracket of 13-19 years in Ondo West Local government Area, Ondo State. Three research questions were generated to guide the study. The sample size of 200 randomly drawn from Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. Four research instruments were used for data collection questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated. Data were collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC) and Multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that that there is a significant relationship between pro-social behaviour and the preditors. Similarly, the result also revealed that independent variables collectively yielded a coefficient of multiple regressions (R) of .648 and an adjusted R2 of .420 and an adjusted R2 of .416. Also, the most potent predictor is empathy, β = .386, t = 8.942, P< 0.05; followed by self-efficacy, β = .328, t = 6.009, P< 0.05; and self-esteem, β =-.182, t = 2.095, P< 0.05. It was concluded that there is an orientation towards the social good in children who exhibit prosocial behaviour. While there have been several studies on the factors that produce prosociality in the normal population, this same characteristic has not been sufficiently explored in other special populations such as abused children or youths. It was recommended that Adolescents should be encouraged to become more enlightened with prosocial behaviour. It is expected that adolescents who can assert self in the providing unconditional support as well as maintain and regulate their behaviour will find it easier to achieve success in life