Intimate relationship among Nigerian university undergraduates: the predictive effects of self-esteem and identity

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined self-esteem and identity as predictors of intimate relationship among Nigerian undergraduates. Two hundred and thirty eight (238) participants drawn from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka participated in the study. A total of 103 (43.3%) were males while 135 (56.7%) were females. They were selected through simple random sampling technique. Their ages ranged from 17 to 30 years, with a mean age of 23.06 and standard deviation of 2.34. The instruments used were Experience in close relationship scale, Self-esteem Scale, and Aspect of Identity Scale. The design adopted was a cross-sectional predictive design. Based on this, Multiple Linear Regression was adopted as the statistical tool for data analysis. Three hypotheses were tested and the results showed that the first hypothesis, which stated that self-esteem would significantly and positively predict intimate relationship among undergraduates was accepted at (B =.138, p <.05). The second hypothesis, which stated that personal identity would negatively predict intimate relationship among undergraduates was accepted at (B = −.060, p <.05). And the third hypothesis, which stated that relational identity would significantly and positively predict intimate relationship among undergraduates was also accepted at (B =.166, p <.05). The researchers therefore recommended that parents and teachers should find a way of encouraging self-esteem development and independence among adolescents and youths and also teach students the various outcomes of intimate relationships and how to build and maintain a healthy relationship.