PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE AND SELF-EFFICACY AS PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL ABSTINENCE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of Psychological Abuse and Self-Efficacy as predictors of Sexual Abstinence among Adolescents in Makurdi metropolis. The Cross-Sectional Survey design was employed where 208 adolescents in Makurdi metropolis consisting of 98 (47.12%) males and 110 (52.88%) females were used. Their ages ranged from 12-22years with a mean age of 17.54years (SD=3.78). Simple Random sampling technique was used to draw samples for the study. Three instruments were used for data collection; Child Abuse Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale and the Sexual Abstinence Behaviour Scale. Three hypotheses were tested using Simple Linear and Multiple Regression. Findings indicated that there was a significant influence of psychological abuse on sexual abstinence among adolescents. Secondly, there was a significant influence of self-efficacy on sexual abstinence among adolescents. Lastly, psychological abuse and self-efficacy are significant joint predictors of sexual abstinence among adolescents. It was recommended that the society should desist from abusing adolescents since it was known to affect their sexual behaviour.