Abstract:

This study search to explore the influence of peer and family related factors on truant behaviour of students which may be one of numerous risk elements for serious pathologies later in life. The study is a descriptive survey design that employed a purposive sampling technique to draw 215 (79 males; 124 females) undergraduate students. A self- developed but validated instrument was used for data collection. Regression analysis and independent t-test were used to analyze the data collected. Findings from the analysis revealed that peer influence and family factors could only explain 63.1% of the variation in truant behaviour @ 0.05 level of significance (R=.796a; R2=.634; F (2, 211) =181.914; p<0.5). It was also discovered that peer influence (t=-12.897; ß= .633; df =211; p<0.5) was more potent predictor of truants behaviour than family factor (t=2.508; ß= .136; df =189.778; p<0.5). Further analysis showed that there was a significant variance between male and female students truant behaviour (t=.068; df = 211; p<0.5). Recommendations were made based on the findings with a view to reducing the incidence of truant behaviour among students in Nigeria.

Keywords:

Peer Influence, Family factors, Adolescents, Students, Truant behaviour.