Social Pressure Research Articles

Sustainability consciousness, peer influence and sustainable consumption behaviour: the role of altruism among business students in Ghana

Purpose This study aims to assess the impact of sustainability consciousness, altruism and peer influence on sustainable consumption behaviour of young adults. Design/methodology/approach Structured questionnaires were administered to 452 undergraduate students attending public universities in the southern part of Ghana. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to test and analyse the hypothesized relationships. Findings Findings from this study indicate that sustainability consciousness and altruism significantly influence sustainable consumption. The respondents also suggest that their association with peers does not significantly affect sustainable consumption. Finally, the outcome of the analysis revealed that altruism partially mediates the nexus between sustainability consciousness and sustainable consumption. Originality/value The research directs attention to how the behaviour of undergraduate students who are sympathetic to the environment may influence their consumption behaviours. This study also demonstrates that sustainability awareness and knowledge by individuals play a vital role in shaping consumption behaviour, which may ultimately preserve resources for future generations.

Eat green, be healthy: Gen-Z’s green food purchase intention – moderated by greenwash and fear of pandemic recurrence

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate factors influencing Gen-Z consumers' “green food purchase intention” and “healthy lifestyle”. Guided by the attribution theory, “perceived usefulness of green food”, “food safety concerns” (internal attributes), “perceived threat of environmental problems” and “green peer influence” (external attributes) are considered the predictors of “attitude towards green food”, which eventually lead to a healthy lifestyle and green food purchase intention. Besides, “fear of pandemic recurrence” and “greenwash” are tested as moderators.Design/methodology/approachThe Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) technique was employed for the model testing. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among Gen-Z Chinese adults, which yielded 556 complete, valid responses.FindingsThe findings indicate that “consumers' attitudes towards green food” are positively influenced by “perceived threat of environmental problems”, “perceived usefulness of green food”, “concerns about food safety”, and the influence of “green peers”. In addition, results revealed that “attitude toward green food” exerts a positive effect on “healthy lifestyle” and “green food purchase intention”. The study supports the moderating role of “perceived greenwash” in the relationship between “attitude” and “intention to purchase green food”. However, there was no evidence to support the moderating effect of “fear of pandemic recurrence” in relation to a “healthy lifestyle”.Originality/valueThis study is a pioneer in utilizing the attribution theory to predict the drivers of a “healthy lifestyle” and the “intention to purchase green foods”. Furthermore, this study predicted the moderating influence of “fear of pandemic recurrence” on the relationship between attitude and “healthy lifestyle”, a link that has not been tested in previous research. Furthermore, it introduces a novel examination of the moderating effect of “perceived greenwash” on the relationship between “attitudes” and “purchase intentions”.

The Cosmetic Surgery in Adolescents: Psychological, Social, and Medico-Legal Responsibilities.

The increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgery among adolescents raises critical questions regarding medical responsibility and the legal standards for informed consent. While the desire to meet aesthetic standards promoted by media and social networks is a key factor driving demand for these procedures, the psychological vulnerability typical of adolescence calls for careful evaluation of patient rights and medical obligations. Informed consent for adolescents, in particular, must be assessed within a multidimensional framework that considers psychological conditions, personal motivations, and the social and cultural pressures that can negatively affect young patients' self-perception. This article examines the complexities of informed consent in adolescent cosmetic surgery, focusing on the physician's responsibility to ensure patients have a clear understanding of both the risks involved and realistic expectations of the procedure. It also discusses the value of a multidisciplinary approach, involving psychologists and legal professionals, to address the specific needs of adolescents. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for preoperative psychological assessments to distinguish between genuine desires and social pressures, with the goal of protecting adolescents' psychological and physical well-being and preventing decisions driven by unstable motivations. The article concludes with recommendations for adopting guidelines and enhancing education, advocating for an approach that respects young patients' rights and emphasizes physicians' accountability for ethical and safe practice.

Medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and motivation towards antimicrobial resistance efforts in Eastern Uganda

Introduction Learning beyond the classroom is important for holistic engagement in antimicrobial resistance(AMR) mitigation. Extracurricular interventions can catalyze multidisciplinary engagement and inspire innovative solutions. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and motivations influencing medical students’ engagement in AMR Club initiatives at Busitema University, Uganda. Methodology This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Busitema University among undergraduate students pursuing Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Anesthesia and Critical care. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire and administered to the participants The Bloom’s cut-off method was used to analyse the knowledge of the participants, while bivariate analysis was conducted using the chi square test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with students’ engagement in AMR club activities. Results Of the 193 study participants, 71.5%(n) demonstrated sufficient knowledge about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as determined using Bloom’s cutoff categories (≥60% classified as sufficient, <60% as insufficient), with an average knowledge score of 68.18% (SD ±16.12). Additionally, 90% of participants acknowledged the significance of incorporating AMR topics into their curriculum, while 87.5% emphasized the need for AMR training using a One Health approach. The major motivations for students to engage in extracurricular activities addressing AMR were peer influence (n = 42), university support (n = 35), and inspiration drawn from peer mentors’ work (n = 35). Conclusion The students demonstrated a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards AMR but highlighted the need for further in-depth training. Participation in extra-curricular activities such as involvement in an AMR Club, was found to significantly influence students’ engagement in AMR related interventions.

A Recent Systematic Review of Key Factors Influencing Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions

Entrepreneurial intentions (EI) among students are essential drivers of innovation, self-employment, and economic growth in contemporary societies. This systematic review synthesizes recent studies to identify and categorize the key factors influencing EI into cognitive (e.g., attitudes, perceived behavioral control), personality (e.g., resilience, self-efficacy), social (e.g., peer influence, family support), educational (e.g., curriculum design, practical exposure), and contextual (e.g., funding availability, economic conditions) domains. Cognitive factors, such as positive attitudes toward entrepreneurship and high perceived feasibility, emerged as consistent predictors. Personality traits, including resilience and self-efficacy, were found to strengthen students’ entrepreneurial mindsets, while social support networks often served as critical enablers of entrepreneurial aspirations. Educational factors, particularly the integration of experiential learning and entrepreneurial curricula, were highlighted for their potential to bridge theory and practice. However, significant gaps remain, including a misalignment between entrepreneurial education and real-world industry demands, inadequate practical training opportunities, and persistent barriers to accessing funding and mentorship. Contextual challenges such as economic uncertainties further impede students’ transition from intention to entrepreneurial action. Emerging trends, such as the incorporation of psychological capital and digital entrepreneurship, underscore the dynamic evolution of entrepreneurial education and research. This review concludes by providing actionable recommendations for higher education institutions to enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems, foster innovation, and equip students with the skills and resources needed to transform entrepreneurial intentions into tangible outcomes. By addressing existing gaps, this work aims to contribute to the development of more effective strategies for cultivating entrepreneurship in the next generation.

Analyzing Drug Consumption: Patterns, Causes, and Impacts using Looker Studio: A Data Visualization Paper

Drug consumption continues to be a significant global issue, affecting individuals' health and societal stability. This paper explores the various trends in drug use, examining the causes that drive individuals to substance abuse and the profound impacts it has on both mental and physical well-being. Through an analysis of demographic data, the study highlights several contributing factors, including peer pressure, stress, and socioeconomic challenges, which increase vulnerability to drug use. The findings underscore the importance of implementing focused intervention strategies to address these root causes and reduce the harmful effects of drug consumption. By understanding the intricate relationship between social and psychological factors and substance abuse, this research advocates comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting affected individuals and strengthening communities.

Factors Influencing Coconut Growers’ Decision-Making Process in Fertilizer Application through the Lens of Theory of Planned Behavior and Self-Determination Theory

The small-scale, poor, rural coconut growers in Sri Lanka are generally characterized by low productivity. The low yield of coconuts is primarily attributed to the improper application of fertilizers. The decision to apply fertilizer is mainly depends on the growers’ change in behaviour, in turn, influenced by the growers’ salient beliefs. Assessing the beliefs plays a significant role in understanding why farmers behave differently in making decisions regarding fertilizer application. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Theory of Self Determination (TSD) were employed to find a more realistic solution to the above research problem. Hence, the current research was carried out to observe the relationship between the beliefs of the coconut growers and their behaviour with respect to fertilizer application in coconut fields. Results of the study reveal that perceived behavioural control was the highest contributor to developing the intention followed by the attitude. Further, there is no influence from the social pressure for the intention development. Moreover, intrinsic motivation predicts the fertilizer application behaviour from intention in stronger strength than that of extrinsic motivation. Therefore, it can be concluded that motivation influences the intention-behavioural relationship. Consequently, it gives evidence for policymakers to introduce policy guidelines in order to enhance the use of fertilizer efficiently and effectively. And, motivation does have a moderating effect on coconut growers’ fertilizer application behaviour.

Factors Predisposing to Teenage Pregnancy among Female Secondary School Students in Southwest, Nigeria

Background: Adolescent females are amongst the most vulnerable age groups and are at risk of sexual, psychological, physical, mental and social problems. This coupled with increase in their sexual awareness, biological changes associated with puberty and tendency to explore and experiment their sexuality could result in high burden of reproductive health problems including teenage pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancies have a long-lasting impact on the physical and mental health, education, and livelihood of young women, men, and their families. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out among 270 in-school female adolescents in selected secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit the variables of interest, supervised by trained research assistants. The data collected were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 15.80±1.12 years. 59.3% of the respondents had poor knowledge on teenage pregnancy which showed statistical significance (P<0.000) when correlated with sexual intercourse. 13.7% of the respondents had had coitus, with the average age of coitarche being 15 years. There was a high prevalence of multiple sexual partners and a high abortion rate in our study (40.5% and 80.4% respectively). Teenage pregnancy was related to lack of parenting, poverty, lack of sex education, lack of self-control and peer pressure especially from their partners. Conclusion: There is a need to increase knowledge on teenage pregnancy among female adolescents in senior secondary schools in southwest Nigeria.

Ordinary Men or Ideological Executioners?: Finnish SS Volunteers and the Atrocities on the Eastern Front

Abstract In 1941, approximately twelve hundred Finns volunteered for the Waffen-SS. They were placed in the multinational Wiking division. Some Finnish volunteers participated in mass executions and other atrocities. This article examines in depth the motivations and ideological influences behind the atrocities that Finnish SS volunteers perpetrated during the Holocaust. To this end, it examines and applies to this case study Christopher Browning’s “Ordinary Men” theory, which posits that perpetrators were often ordinary men motivated by peer pressure and obedience, and Daniel Goldhagen’s “Willing Executioners” theory, which maintains that antisemitism was the primary driving factor in the Holocaust. Ultimately, the evidence shows that Finnish SS men involved in atrocities were among the most ideologically committed to National Socialism and antisemitism. They came from a core group of recruits that were selected and given preferential treatment during the first week of recruitment, and for them, antisemitism and National Socialist ideology were significant motivating factors. While some volunteers refused to participate in atrocities, the majority of those who committed crimes were part of the ideologically committed core group. The study integrates multiple theoretical perspectives to emphasize the role of antisemitism and ideology in driving war crimes.

Silent Crisis: Examining the Alarming Trend of Violence against Teachers in Moroccan High Schools

In learning environments where knowledge is produced, and futures are shaped, a growing epidemic remains largely hidden from the public view, which is violence against teachers. Teachers confront a multitude of challenges in the classroom including the difficult reality of experiencing violence at the hands of their own students. Such acts of aggression, whether overt or subtle, destabilize the holiness of the educational environment and destroy the trust and respect that are essential for effective teaching and learning. Using both the quantitative and qualitative approaches, this article aims to shed light on the frequency, causes, and consequences of violence against teachers. Furthermore, this article explores the various forms of aggression teachers encounter, with a focus on the most targeted gender. The findings reveal that school violence is a pervasive issue that occurs daily in various forms including verbal, physical, psychological, behavioral, and sexual aggression against teachers. Contrary to common assumptions, the study revealed that this phenomenon is not influenced by teachers’ gender. Key contributing factors include students’ academic struggles, exposure to violence, lack of morals, media influence, peer pressure, and acts of revenge. Additionally, teacher-related factors, such as weak personalities, humiliation of students, and criticism, exacerbate the problem. The consequences of such violence are profound as it leaves teachers feeling insecure, altering their behavior, reducing interactions with students, and diminishing their self-esteem. In severe cases, this leads to absenteeism or even resignation. Given the alarming nature of these findings, this article advocates for proactive measures to address the issue and create a safe, supportive, and violence-free environment in Moroccan schools.

Motivational factors for visually impaired college students in learning data analytics

The aim of this study is to explore the key factors that motivate visually impaired college students to develop data analytics skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from binary logistic regression analysis and qualitative insights from focus group discussions with undergraduate social science students. The quantitative findings reveal that the strongest motivators are the availability of adapted learning materials, teacher support and encouragement, and the perceived usefulness and relevance of statistics. In contrast, peer influence, gender, and type of impairment were not found to have significant impacts. The qualitative analysis underscores two primary barriers: technological and administrative challenges, as well as instructional and learning obstacles. These findings suggest that addressing these barriers and leveraging motivators can help create more inclusive educational programs. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for higher education institutions and instructors to better support visually impaired students in their pursuit of data analytics skills.

Menumbuhkan Self-Love pada Remaja di MAN 2 Surakarta

Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adulthood that is vulnerable to various psychological problems, such as searching for identity, social problems, academic pressure, and low self-confidence. Self-love or self-love is an important element in building mental health that is often overlooked, especially among adolescents. Based on the author's observations at MAN 2 Surakarta, it was found that students tend not to fully understand the concept of self-love, so they are vulnerable to social pressure, adakemik, and negative emotions. For this reason, this community service activity was carried out with the aim of instilling an understanding of the importance of self-love, recognizing oneself, and improving students' mental health. The implementation method used in this community service activity has three stages, namely: 1). Planning stage, 2). Implementation stage and 3). Evaluation stage. The results of this community service activity show that students begin to understand the importance of self-love as a basis for mental health. In conclusion, cultivating self-love is very important for adolescents to face psychological and social challenges. The application of this concept is expected to provide long-term benefits for students' mental and emotional well-being, as well as encourage their positive contributions in the social environment.

Exploring Academic Stress Among Student Athletes Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

This study examines the academic stress experienced by 135 student-athletes at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) during the 2023-2024 academic year. It aims to identify the sources of stress and assess their effects on academic and athletic performance. This study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys to explore factors like time management issues, academic performance, financial concerns, teacher-related factors, and social pressures, with qualitative interviews conducted with 20 student-athletes to gather personal insights. The findings reveal significant stressors include time management challenges, academic struggles, financial insecurity, lack of teacher flexibility, and social expectations. Common issues include difficulty adjusting schedules for unexpected events, neglecting academic support, and feeling pressure from family, peers, and coaches. The results highlight the need for structured interventions, such as improved time management resources, academic counseling, financial support, and more flexible academic policies. A holistic approach to addressing these stressors is vital to the academic and athletic success of student-athletes, ensuring a balanced approach to their dual responsibilities. The study emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment that fosters student-athletes well-being, improving their academic performance and athletic achievements.

Parents' and Peers' Messages about Race: Associations with White Emerging Adults' Responses to Feedback about Implicit Bias.

Although much research has focused on parents' role in racial and ethnic socialization, the influence of peers on how youth perceive race in society remains underexplored despite peers' significant impact on youth identity and social-cognitive development. This study examined how peer and parental messages about race compare in shaping young adults' responses to prejudice feedback. Participants were White emerging adults (n = 726, 75.3% female, Mage = 20.1, SD = 2.6). Participants reported parents and peers' messages about race and their own motivations to control prejudice. They then completed the race Implicit Association Test and received false feedback indicating a pro-White bias. Subsequently, participants' feedback invalidation and willingness to change behaviors to reduce bias were assessed. Parental and peer egalitarian and color-conscious messages were positively associated with behavioral willingness to reduce bias and internal motivations to control prejudice explained these relations. Peer egalitarian messages were more influential than parents' egalitarian messages on internal motivations to control prejudice and behavioral willingness to reduce bias. Findings highlight the unique role of peers' and parents' messages about race on motivations to control prejudice and emerging adults' responses to prejudice feedback.

Converging perspectives on the processes exacerbating adolescent obesity: An integrative systems approach.

Adolescent obesity is a complex public health challenge with steadily increasing and variable prevalence among countries. This paper synthesises the driving feedback mechanisms of adolescent obesity studied in the CO-CREATE project, furthering our understanding of the complexity of this issue. Using systems thinking principles and causal loop diagramming, we integrated the following knowledge and perspectives derived from diverse sources into a causal loop diagram (CLD): a systems map generated by adolescents through participatory modelling workshops, a comprehensive literature review, and input from subject-matter experts during validation workshops. We used a structured and iterative approach to include drivers and to identify feedback loops exacerbating adolescent obesity. The CLD identified 27 key feedback loops across four themes: twelve related to the commercial food environment, six to the physical activity environment, four to mental wellbeing and five to social norms. These loops indicate not only diet and physical activity as drivers of obesity but also stress and other emotional and social pressures. Recognising the imperative need to integrate the perspectives and experiences of adolescents into our analysis, this work advocates for the synthesis of experiential insights with empirical research. The integrated CLD can be used as a visual tool that fosters collaboration among stakeholders and engenders a more comprehensive and inclusive system understanding that can provide holistic intervention considerations to tackle adolescent obesity. Additionally, the CLD lays a foundation for subsequent quantitative modelling works to further address this issue and develop context-based approaches to prevention and evaluation of adolescent obesity.

The Impacts of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Canadian Adolescents’ Vaping Behaviors: A Mixed-Method Investigation

Within the Canadian context, vaping among adolescents had increased in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescent vaping behavior is influenced by individual, social, and environmental factors. The onset of COVID-19 further altered these influences due to lockdowns and physical distancing policies. Using a qualitatively driven convergent mixed methods design, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to quantitatively measure changes in adolescent vaping behaviors during the first wave of the pandemic; and (2) to qualitatively explore perceptions and experiences of adolescent vaping during this time. Data were used from a larger study including 851 Canadian adolescents, however, only those who reported they had ever vaped were included (n = 174; Mage = 16.8). Descriptive analysis revealed 52.4% of vape users reduced use, 13.1% quit, and 34.5% reported an increase in or no change in vaping frequency. Following an inductive summative content analysis, four themes were identified: (1) reduced access and perceived support, (2) fewer negative peer norms and influence of the school environment, (3) coping mechanism, and (4) minimized resistance skills (boredom). It is evident that the pandemic was a key factor underlying vaping behavior, thus understanding these patterns may help inform policy, prevention, and lessen health risks associated with use.

Impact of MDRs on COVID-19 Patients Among Developing Countries

: The COVID-19 virus has killed more than 6.3 million people worldwide. The misuse of antibiotics increased during epidemics, leading to the spread of MDRs. Although antibiotic use is increasing in both developed and developing countries, the utility level and abuse are higher in developing countries. This could have negative consequences for the vaccine, especially considering that many developing countries reported the emergence of many resistant microbes even before the pandemic. Infectious diseases, social and cultural pressures, and telemedicine facilities can all contribute to the overuse of antibiotics. The emergence of multidrug resistance is a major concern, especially in developing countries where health services are already inadequate and diagnostic capacity and facilities for disease prevention and control are inadequate. This might be the major cause of the extensive spread of such diseases. Improper waste management and disposal in hospitals and communities make it easy for clean water to leak from the area, causing many diseases and causing many antibiotics. The potential for microplastics to be turned into anti-bacterial products is also of particular concern for low- and middle-income countries. In the present review, we aim to examine the impact of multidrug resistance in ESKAPE infections coupled with healthcare-associated infections and determine their risk of secondary infection in COVID-19 patients in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 epidemic from a multidisciplinary perspective, identify the challenge for developing countries and seek solutions to solve this problem.

Assessment of The Impact of Alcohol and Cannabis/Marijuana Use on Students’ Psychosocial Ramifications in Malawi’s Higher Education Institutions

Alcohol and cannabis/marijuana are substances used by Malawian students. Studies have connected an increase in mental health disorders to drug and substance addiction. However, there is limited evidence to support the impact of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use on students’ psychosocial ramifications in Malawi’s HEIs. This study was conducted to assess the effects of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use on students’ psychosocial ramifications. The study used mixed methods where quantitative and qualitative methods employed correlational and phenomenological designs, respectively. Quantitative data using closed-ended questions through an online survey was collected to assess the extent to which alcohol and cannabis/marijuana usage is connected with psychosocial impacts. Qualitative data using in-depth interviews via online surveys aided in understanding students’ impressions of the effects of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana usage on their psychosocial lives. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study revealed high usage (96%) of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana among HEI students. This is attributed to stress and anxiety, boredom and depression, negative peer pressure, heartbreaks, academic obstacles, lifestyles of university/college students, relationship issues, lack of guidance and counseling, lack of resilience, lack of income, and social media influence. The r-value of seeking psychosocial help about alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use is 1.000 at a p-value of 1.000 (1-tailed). This implies a perfect linear relationship (one-to-one correspondence between the values of the variables). Hence, students involved in alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use are likely to seek psychosocial help. However, 77.5% of the respondents have not sought psychosocial help. This might be attributed to a lack of awareness and self-denial among students. Thus, HEI authorities/health practitioners must enforce rules and regulations on alcohol and cannabis/marijuana usage, provide guidance and counselling, engage students in various activities, e.g., sports, and ensure a drug-free campus.

The Influence Of Village Officials, Community Participation, And Educational Background Of Village Heads On Accountability Of Village Fund Management With Leadership Style As A Variable Of Moderation

Village funds are allocations of money to support government activities, development projects, community activities, and community empowerment. Accountability is the obligation to report and be responsible for the success or failure of the organization's mission in achieving previously set results, through periodic accountability media. Accountability in village fund management is the obligation to report and be responsible for the village funds managed for the benefit of village development and the welfare of the village community. The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of village apparatus, community participation, and the educational background of village heads on the accountability of village fund management with leadership style as a moderating variable. This research is a quantitative study with a population of all village officials in Electoral District 6, Bogor Regency, totaling 671 people. The research sample consisted of 87 respondents determined using the Slovin formula with a 10% margin of error and with the sampling technique using purposive sampling. Data analysis using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with a Partial Least Square approach (PLS). The research results indicate that the knowledge, skills, and experience of village officials have a negative and significant impact on the accountability of village fund management, possibly due to a lack of skills or potential fraud. On the contrary, community participation has a positive impact, indicating that public involvement increases social pressure and oversight of the village government. The educational background of the village head also has a positive impact, strengthening accountability through a better understanding of financial management. However, when community participation is moderated by leadership style, the impact becomes negative, highlighting the importance of effective leadership. A good leadership style reinforces the positive impact of village head education. Keywords: Accountability; Village Fund Management; Village Apparatus; Community Participation; Educational background; Leadership Style

PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON UNDERGRADUATES STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN NORTH-EAST STATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING

This study examines the psychosocial effects of drug abuse among undergraduate students in North-east Nigerian universities, highlighting its implications for guidance and counseling. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving a sample size of 900 students purposively selected from six tertiary institutions, including Adamawa State University, Gombe State University, and Borno State University. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, Psychosocial Effects of Drug Abuse on Undergraduates (PEDAUS), with a reliability index of 0.79, established through a pilot study. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used for analysis at a 0.05 significance level. Findings reveal that peer pressure, easy access to drugs, and psychological challenges such as depression and loneliness are key drivers of drug abuse, while academic stress and lack of awareness were less influential. Marijuana, alcohol, and stimulants were the most commonly abused substances, consistent with prior studies. The extent of addiction was significant, with physical dependence, psychological addiction, and compulsive behaviors prevalent among students, exacerbating issues such as social withdrawal and academic decline. Social and psychological effects, including strained relationships, social isolation, and heightened anxiety, were also prominent. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions, including peer-led education, psychological counseling, addiction recovery programs, and strict disciplinary measures. Universities must establish well-equipped counseling centers and collaborate with government agencies to enforce stricter drug policies and raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. These recommendations aim to mitigate the pervasive effects of drug abuse on student well-being and academic performance.