The purpose of this research was to find out the effects of substance abuse on antisocial behaviours of youth in Accra. The main instrument used for the collection of data was the survey research method. A simple random sample technique was used in the selection of 100 participants ranging between the ages of 13-24 years using both descriptive and inferential
statistics in analysing data.
Substance abuse has been linked to anti-social behaviours, depression, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts and learning disability. In the USA, males under the ages of 18 years arrested for drug offenses had the highest rate of positive substance tests when compared to young people arrested for other criminal offences. However, a substantial rate of illicit substance use was also found among youth who committed violence and other crimes. It is noted that adolescents who abuse alcohol and other substances usually withdraw from school and community activities thereby depriving their families, friends and communities of the positive impacts they might otherwise have made.
The findings of the research indicated that substance abuse does have a significant influence or effect on anti-social behaviours of adolescents in Accra. Analysis revealed that there is a significant difference between males and females with regards to anti-social behaviours. Moreover, the frequency of substance abuse correlated positively with anti-social behaviours.
It is therefore recommended that counselling departments and clinical psychologists departments should be established in order for young people to seek professional assistance in dealing with strong emotions associated with antisocial behaviours. These departments will enable both counsellors and psychologists to function effectively in helping youth in the country to better handle strong emotions associated with substance abuse and antisocial behaviours, thereby helping them to better cope with peers, friends, family members and he community at large.
Table of Contents
1.1 Background to the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Research questions/Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Delimitation /Scope of the study.
1.8 Limitations of the study
1.9 Definitions of terms
1.10 Organizations of the study
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Conceptual Framework
2.4 Review of relevant and related Studies
2.4.1 Gender and substance abuse
2.4.2 Substance abuse and adolescent’s adjustment
2.4.3 Substance abuse and anti-social behaviour
2.4.4 Perception of substance abuse
2.4.5 Endorsement of substance abuse
3.1 Research design
3.2 Population
3.3 Sample and sampling techniques
3.4 Instrumentation
3.5 Validity
3.6 Reliability
3.7 Data analyses procedure
3.8 Ethical Consideration
4.1 CHAPTER FOUR
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
4.2Data Presentation and Discussion of Results
4.3 Anti-social Behaviors Promotion
4.4 Correlation Test
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusions
5.3 Recommendation
Research Objectives and Focus
This research aims to investigate the influence of substance abuse on the development of anti-social behaviors among adolescents in Accra, Ghana, to provide data-driven recommendations for psychological interventions.
- Analysis of the correlation between substance use frequency and anti-social conduct.
- Examination of gender-based differences in anti-social behavior exhibitions.
- Evaluation of the role of family environment and parental influence on adolescent behavior.
- Identification of common substances abused by youth, including alcohol, tobacco, and Indian hemp.
- Development of strategies for educational and counseling bodies to mitigate behavioral risks.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the study
The World Health Organization (WHO) defined substance abuse as ‘’ the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs’’ (1948)
According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) fourth edition issued by the American Psychiatry Association (APA) substance abuse refers to a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinical impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following occurring within a twelve (12) month period:
a. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfil major roles and obligations at work, school or home such as repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use, substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school, neglect of children or household.
b. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous such as driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use.
c. Recurrent substance related legal problems such as arrests for substance related disorderly conduct.
d. Continuous substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the foundational context of the study, defining substance abuse and outlining the statement of the problem, purpose, and research objectives.
CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW: This section reviews existing theories and empirical studies regarding the links between substance abuse, social bonding, attachment models, and adolescent behavioral development.
CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the survey research design, the selection of 100 participants from Accra secondary schools, and the instruments used to measure anti-social behaviors.
CHAPTER FOUR: This section presents the statistical analysis of the collected data, including t-tests and correlation tests examining the hypotheses regarding gender and substance frequency.
CHAPTER FIVE - SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the study findings and provides recommendations for policy makers and educational institutions to implement effective prevention strategies.
Keywords
Substance abuse, anti-social behaviors, adolescents, Accra, Ghana, psychological development, social bonding theory, attachment theory, delinquency, mental health, cognitive/affective model, drug prevention, survey research, gender differences, student population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dissertation?
The research explores the impact of substance abuse on the exhibition of anti-social behaviors among youth in Accra, specifically examining the correlation between drug intake and delinquent actions.
What are the key thematic areas addressed?
The work covers theoretical frameworks of social bonding and attachment, the role of gender in substance usage, the influence of domestic environments on adolescent development, and the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in local school settings.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to determine if a significant relationship exists between substance abuse and anti-social behavior, and to identify factors that contribute to these behavioral patterns among youth.
Which research methodology was utilized?
The study employed a survey research method, using structured questionnaires administered to 100 students, followed by statistical analysis using SPSS, including t-tests and Pearson correlation.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The body chapters detail the conceptual frameworks, review relevant empirical literature, explain the sampling and instrumentation processes, and discuss the resulting data regarding male and female behavior differences.
Which specific substances were focused on in this study?
The study focused on substances commonly accessed by the youth population in the region, including alcohol, cigarette, Indian hemp (wee), and Valium.
Did the research find a gender difference in behavior?
Yes, the data analysis indicated a significant difference, with male substance users reporting a higher frequency of anti-social behaviors compared to female users.
What is the link between frequency of substance abuse and behavior?
The findings showed a positive correlation; essentially, the more frequently substances are abused, the higher the likelihood and frequency of displayed anti-social behaviors.
What recommendations does the author make for the youth?
The author recommends the establishment of dedicated counseling and clinical psychology departments within schools to help youth cope with strong emotions associated with substance abuse.
- Citar trabajo
- Joseph Wilson (Autor), 2015, Effects of Substance Abuse on Anti-Social Behaviors of Youth in Accra, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/941132
