Nigerian Journal of Social Psychology

ANALYSIS OF THE GROWTH IMPLICATIONS OF NIGERIA’S DEFICIT FINANCING BEHAVIOUR

Ogbonnaya I Orji — 2025-02-09

The study investigated the effects of deficit financing on Nigeria's economic growth using time series data from 1980 to 2021. Gross domestic product (GDP) was used as the dependent variable to represent economic growth, while domestic debt (DMD), external debt (EXD), budget deficit (BDF), and external reserve (ETR) served as independent variables. Data was sourced from the 2021 Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin since the 2022 edition hasn't been released. The autoregressive distributed lag model was utilized for estimation, and we found that in the short term, domestic debt was observed to notably influence economic growth. This conclusion is drawn from the t-statistics value, which had a p-value below the 0.05 significance level. Similarly, in the long term, domestic debt significantly impacted the growth of the Nigerian economy, as indicated by the t-statistics value being under the 0.05 significance threshold. The t-statistics for External Debt were not statistically significant, as indicated by the p-values exceeding the 0.05 significance threshold. This suggests that, in the short term, external debt didn't influence Nigeria's economic growth. Similarly, in the long term, the t-statistics for external debt remained insignificant, implying that external debt didn't affect Nigeria's economic progression. In the short run, the t-statistics for the budget deficit were statistically significant, as the p-value was below the 0.05 threshold. This indicates that the budget deficit affected Nigeria's economic growth during this period. On the other hand, in the long run, the t-statistics for the budget deficit showed a p-value exceeding 0.05, suggesting that over a longer duration, the budget deficit did not influence Nigeria's economic growth. The Nigerian government should establish a robust debt management strategy. This approach should emphasize cautious borrowing, judicious application of domestic debt, and consistent evaluation of debt viability to prevent overwhelming debt loads and guarantee continued economic development.

IMPACT OF IGBO FILMS IN PROMOTING IGBO CULTURE IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

SAMUEL N NWEZE — 2025-02-09

Film is one of the channels of mass communication which has grown over the years. It started as cinema and later grew into home video which many Nigerians patronise today. Films has been used to promote socioeconomic development. It has also been used to promote culture. This study examined the roles of Igbo films in promoting Igbo culture. Three specific objectives and three corresponding research questions guided the study. The cultivation theory and cultural norms theories were used and discussions were made based on people’s views on how film has fared so far. The descriptive survey research design was adopted using the tool of questionnaire to gather data for the study. According to National Population Census projected population of 2016, Abakaliki metropolis urban has a population of 555,500. Using the Survey monkey online sample size calculator 384 sample size was arrived at. Instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data collected were analysed using mean, and Conclusions were drawn from the discussions, it was observed that the film had not done too well in promoting Igbo cultural heritage. The paper also indicated that Igbo culture is not often projected positively. Some recommendations were given among which is for the film sensors commission to scrutinise what the public watch and that film contents should reflect our culture.

The Prevalence of Depression among Tertiary Students in Ghana

Fred M Amenu — 2025-02-09

Depression among tertiary students is a growing concern worldwide, significantly impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. In Ghana, limited research exists on the prevalence and predictors of depression in university settings, warranting further investigation.This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among tertiary students in Ghana and examine the association between depression and demographic variables such as age, gender, program of study, academic level, and various institutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 university students using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to measure depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarized the prevalence of depression, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses explored associations and predictors.The results showed the prevalence of depression among students was 68%, with higher rates observed among males (74.4%), students in Applied Sciences (83.3%), and those attending UCC (83.3%), and level 100 students (82.4%). However, chi-square tests showed no statistically significant associations between depression and demographic variables. Logistic regression indicated that none of the predictors had a significant influence on depression status. Despite a good model fit suggested by the Hosmer and Lemeshow test, the predictors did not improve the model's predictive power.This study highlights the high prevalence of depression among tertiary students in Ghana and underscores the need for targeted interventions. Awareness campaigns and counseling programs should be prioritized to address mental health challenges. Future research should explore additional factors, such as academic and financial stress, to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Transiting from Social Media interaction to Character Formation

Raphael A Ekwunife — 2025-02-09

This study examined the transition from social media interaction to character formation and implications on behaviour modification and personality development among tertiary education students. The survey method was used with a sample of 309 studied. Among the objectives were to investigate the perceptions and experiences of Evangel University students regarding the impact of social media on their character formation as well as to ascertain the role of peer influence mediated through social media platforms in shaping the character formation process among the undergraduates. The result of hypothesis suggests that peer influence mediated through social media platforms plays significant role in shaping the character formation process among the students. The study concluded that social media usage patterns are intricately linked to various aspects of students' character development, including their personal values and behaviours; and that students recognize the influence of social media, exhibiting resilience and a belief in their ability to maintain positive traits. Peer influence mediated through social media therefore is a significant factor in character formation. The study recommended implementation of awareness initiatives to educate students about the dual impacts of social media on character development, emphasizing both positive and negative effects. Again, social media education should be integrated into existing character development curricula, equipping students with skills to navigate and manage their online presence responsibly.

Perceived Ethnic Effect on Paternalism, Power Distance and Fatalism among Nigerian Workers

Andrew A Mogaji — 2025-02-09

This study was aimed at finding the perceived ethnic effect on paternalism, power distance and fatalism among Nigerian workers. Data were collected from 521 workers drawn from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The relevant scales of the Work Opinion Survey (WOPS) designed by Mendonca & Kanungo (1994) were used to obtain measures of the dependent variables. Analyzing the data with the One-way ANOVA, revealed significant differences among the three ethnic groups in paternalism at p< .05 and in power distance and fatalism at p< .01 respectively. The results were discussed in terms of the historical background of the subjects and that their work behavior was influenced by their traditional value orientations.

ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF CORRUPTION ON CO-OPERATIVE EFFICIENCY IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Dennis Iyidiobi Ochiaka — 2025-02-09

This study focused on assessing the influence of corruption on co-operative efficiency in Enugu State, Nigeria. It was guided by two specific objectives. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population comprises coordinating and regular members of co-operative societies drawn from the three senatorial zones of Enugu State numbering 306. The entire population was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean ratings and t-test statistical tool were used for analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses. The study revealed that both forms of corrupt practices within the operations of co-operatives have significant effect on co-operatives’ capacity to mobilize capital for their members as evident by result from the hypotheses tested (non-democratic control [t(4)=0.4331, p<0.05]; and embezzlement [t(4)=1.89, p<0.05]). It was further revealed, among others, that some coordinating members (representatives) exhibit autocratic leadership style, which restrict regular members involvement in decision making process in those co-operatives; that embezzling funds generated from registration/induction of new members by co-operatives representatives reduces the capital base of such co-operatives. It was concluded that corruption is a major plague that hampers the efficiency of co-operatives and at large impede their growth in the study area. The study recommended among other things that the anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC should begin to look into the affairs of co-operatives, as it will help deter the coordinators of co-operatives from embezzling co-operative funds and government officials from diverting co-operative grants for personal use.

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of School Leadership

Gloria Chineze Osegbue — 2025-02-13

Abstract
School leadership is changing due to the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational institutions. AI can improve data-driven decision-making, automate administrative duties, and assist school administrators in managing their stress. However, its integration also provides difficulties and ethical issues that should be carefully considered. This study aims to investigate how AI affects school leadership, with a particular emphasis on how it affects stress management, educational governance, and policy implementation. The goal is to examine how AI can improve leadership efficacy while tackling possible issues in the field of education. By automating repetitive processes and facilitating more effective time management and decision-making, AI-driven solutions have greatly lessened the administrative load on school administrators. However, The incorporation of AI brings difficulties, including algorithmic bias, employee resistance, and the requirement for ethical standards. School administrators must balance AI's effectiveness with human judgment while applying it openly and morally. AI has enormous potential to change educational governance through enhancing adherence, tracking student progress, and allocating resources as efficiently as possible. But putting it into practice calls for careful handling of moral issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency. School administrators should prioritise AI literacy, set ethical standards, and promote a collaborative atmosphere to optimise AI's advantages. Educators must get professional development and training to incorporate AI into school systems successfully.

The Cushion Effect of Perceived Organizational Welfare Packages and Effective Leadership on Counterproductive Work Behavior among Telecommunication Employees in Nigeria

Chiamaka O Joe-Akunne — 2025-02-13

This research investigated the cushion effect of perceived organizational welfare packages and effective leadership on counterproductive work behavior among telecommunication employees in Nigeria. Two hundred (200) participants for the study were selected using convenience sampling from two major telecommunication companies in Nigeria. The participants were one hundred and four males (104) and ninety-six (96) females. The perceived organizational welfare package rating scale, the BCE leadership style rating scale, and the counterproductive work behavior checklist (CWB-C) assisted in the data collection. The study made use of predictive research design and multiple regression analysis in testing the three hypotheses postulated. Hypothesis one stated that the perceived organizational welfare packages will significantly and negatively predict counterproductive work behavior. The result showed that perceived organizational welfare packages significantly and negatively predicted counterproductive behavior, Beta = - .35**, P< .01. Hypothesis two stated that effective leadership will significantly and negatively predict counterproductive behavior. The result agreed with the hypothesis, Beta = - .15**, P< .01. Hypothesis three stated that effective leadership will significantly moderate the relationship between perceived organizational welfare packages and counterproductive workplace behavior. The result also agrees with the third hypothesis, Beta = -.02**, P< .01. In line with the findings, it was recommended that organizational welfare packages and effective leadership are recipe for reducing counterproductive work behavior within the work place.

Predicting Job Embeddedness in Healthcare Settings

Richards E. Ebeh — 2025-03-10

This study examined the predictive roles of abusive supervision and work-family conflict on job embeddedness among healthcare workers in Owerri, Imo State. Job embeddedness, which reflects employees' links, fit, and sacrifice within their organisational and community environments, plays a vital role in employee retention. The study purposively sampled 157 healthcare workers from the Federal University Teaching Hospital and Charis Multispecialist Hospital, both in Owerri, using validated scales to measure abusive supervision (Tapper, 2000), work-family conflict (Netemeyer et al., 1996) and job embeddedness (Mitchell et al., 2001). Hierarchical regression analyses were employed for data analyses. The results indicate that abusive supervision significantly predicts overall job embeddedness (β = -.603, p < .001), explaining 39.4% of the variance in job embeddedness (R² = .394). Abusive supervision also negatively predicts the fit (β = -.543, p < .001), links (β = -.357, p < .001), and sacrifice (β = -.464, p < .001) dimensions of job embeddedness. In contrast, work-family conflict does not significantly predict overall job embeddedness (β = -.055, p = .431) when abusive supervision is considered. However, work-family conflict positively predicts the links dimension (β = .348, p < .001) but negatively impacts the sacrifice dimension (β = -.433, p < .001). The study recommends that healthcare organisations prioritise addressing abusive supervision to improve employee retention. Additionally, policies promoting work-life balance could also be encouraged to reduce work-family conflict and enhance employees' embeddedness. If applied, these could increase the retention of skilled professionals in the healthcare sector.

AI-ENHANCED CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS

Gloria Chineze Osegbue — 2025-03-10

Crisis management in schools is crucial for maintaining the safety and well-being of students, staff, and parents during emergencies. The rise in crises like natural disasters, violence, and mental health issues highlights the need for effective systems. This paper introduces the Crisis Intelligence for Resilient Education (CIRE) Model using the psychological and assessment framework, which integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with crisis management strategies to improve preparedness, decision-making, and psychological support. The CIRE Model includes proactive risk assessment, early warning systems, and resource allocation to help school leadership respond effectively. AI technologies, such as predictive analytics and machine learning, enhance decision-making by identifying threats early, optimising resources, and ensuring real-time communication. While AI plays a significant role in crisis management, resilient leadership remains vital in managing crises and supporting long-term recovery. Implementing AI systems requires careful planning, integration with school protocols, and consideration of ethical issues like data privacy. Schools must invest in ongoing training for staff and students to ensure proper use of AI tools. Ethical guidelines and policies should be established to govern AI use, especially regarding mental health data. Continuous updates to AI systems based on feedback are necessary. The paper emphasises adopting AI-driven tools tailored to schools’ needs. It stresses the importance of professional development and clear policies to ensure AI's ethical and effective use in crisis management. The recommendations made on this expository paper include the need for school leaders to invest in developing and implementing AI-driven crisis management tools that can help identify potential crises, provide real-time alerts, and facilitate swift response and recovery. Secondly, that Government should provide training and support for administrators and staff to develop resilient leadership skills, enabling them to effectively manage crises, prioritize student well-being and foster a culture of resilience.

Influence of Attachment Styles and Conflict Resolution Strategies on Relationship Dynamics in Non-Romantic Contexts

S K Balogun — 2025-04-15

Non-romantic relationships often lack focused scholarly attention, yet they play a pivotal role in emotional well-being and social cohesion. This study addresses the problem of understanding how conflict resolution strategies and attachment styles interact to shape relationship dynamics—specifically, support, depth, and conflict—within friendships, familial bonds, and professional settings. A cross sectional survey design, adopting expo facto method was used with a sample of 400 participants from the University of Ibadan community. Results indicate that attachment avoidance strongly predicts lower support (β = -0.051, p < .001) and depth (β = -0.051, p < .001), while attachment anxiety negatively predicts conflict (β = -0.034, p < .001). Additionally, constructive strategies (e.g., collaborating, accommodating) correlate with higher relational quality, whereas competitive or avoidant approaches exacerbate tension. Overall, 27.3% of variance in support, 12% in conflict, and 21.9% in depth were explained by the model. These findings underscore the importance of secure attachment and effective conflict resolution in fostering healthier non-romantic bonds. It was then concluded that interventions focusing on communication training, emotional regulation, and collaborative problem-solving could further illuminate how individuals navigate recurring challenges in diverse social settings.

Economic Trauma as Catalyst for Violence and Social Survival in E.E. Sule’s Sterile Sky

Dele Maxwell Ugwanyi — 2025-04-15

Through the prism of Marxist literary theory, this research examines the themes of socioeconomic pain and the battle for existence in E.E. Sule’s Sterile Sky. The novel depicts the real-life experiences of people locked in a cycle of poverty, alienation, and ethno-religious strife against the backdrop of violence and economic instability in Northern Nigeria. This paper explores how class conflict and economic hardship are portrayed, and influence characters’ perceptions and behaviour. Through the affordance of Marxist literary theory, it demonstrates how the novel’s capitalist structures feed violent and unstable cycles of society while also systemically marginalising the working class. This study also looks at how the novel’s prevailing worldview supports the status quo while also emphasising moments of defiance and prospective revolutionary awareness. In order to critically analyse the socio-political commentary present in Sterile Sky and place it within larger discourses on class struggle, inequality, and postcolonial African literature, the study will focus on the intersection of socio-economic trauma and survival.

Ethical Behaviour and Public Organizational Performance

Cornelius Richard Okorie — 2025-04-15

Ethical behaviour is a critical factor in enhancing organizational performance, especially within public sector organisations. Public institutions, by their nature, are held to high ethical standards as they serve the public interest. This paper explores the relationship between ethical conduct and public sector performance, with a specific focus on productivity and service delivery. Drawing on ethical leadership theory and public service motivation theory, the paper examines how ethical behaviour fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity, which in turn reduces corruption, enhances decision-making, and improves employee morale. Empirical evidence from various studies indicates that ethical practices not only optimize service delivery but also build trust between the government and citizens. The findings highlight that ethical leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture, leading to higher productivity and more efficient use of resources. Through institutionalizing ethics management frameworks, public sector organisations can significantly improve their service outcomes and overall performance.

Marital Expectations, Marital Infidelity and Neuroticism as Predictors of Marital Conflict

Ann U Madukwe — 2025-04-15

Marital conflict, conceptualized in this study as the ongoing lack of peace and satisfaction in a marital union which threatens marital stability, has become quite prevalent in modern communities. The frequent incidences of spousal battery, spousal sexual abuse, domestic violence, long term separation and in some cases outright divorce are worrisome indicators of the endemic challenge marital conflict poses in most Igbo communities. In this study, marital expectations, marital infidelity (self and spouse), and neuroticism were examined as predictors. Randomized cluster sampling was used to select 525 male and female spouses from the State. The study utilized the cross-sectional survey design and stepwise multiple regression for data analyses. Findings showed that though marital infidelity by spouse was below average and spouse’s marital expectations were being fulfilled; marital expectations followed by marital infidelity–spouse proved to be significant predictors of marital conflict. Marital conflict reduced as marital expectations got fulfilled and increased as the level of marital infidelity by spouse increased. Spouses also reported an increased level of neuroticism, with males being more neurotic than females. Neuroticism was found to be the least significant predictor of marital conflict compared to marital expectations and marital infidelity – spouse. Recommendations to spouses and marriage counsellors regards especially the need to manage the neurotic tendencies of male spouses, couple counselling should explore would-be partners expectations and help them learn other coping mechanisms in marriage instead of marital infidelity.

Sustaining Poverty Reduction through Gender Inclusive Decision-Making Process

Emmanuel Chimezie Eyisi — 2025-04-15

Women constitute close to 50% of the population of Nigeria. Women contribute to the economic, social and political development of their societies through playing major roles in the production, processing and marketing of goods which the majority of rural and urban population depend on. However, women have been subjected to more poverty and deprivation because of their inferior status to men in gender roles. Through adverse social, institutional and discriminatory cultural practices, women have been denied the adequate opportunities of participating actively in formulating economic, social and political policies. This paper focused on the relationship between inclusive decision making process at different levels of governance and socio-economic enhancement of women. The paper explored qualitative data through unstructured interview of 127 respondents and two Focused Group Discussions conducted in two Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State. The findings confirmed existing data from previous studies that societies with full involvement of women in governance at all levels enhanced their overall socio-economic development. We therefore conclude that gender inclusive decision making process will lead to a reduction in poverty, encourage social and gender equality, rejuvenate socio-economic activity and enhance national development.

Marital Conflict among Couples

Chinonso L. Nwanosike — 2025-04-15

Typically, unfulfilled expectations are sources of marital conflicts that seem to influence marital relationships. Unfulfilled expectations are associated with marital conflicts. Earlier studies, however, revealed that spousal support showed positive effects on marital satisfaction. Our study seeks to better understand why and when spousal support reduces the negative effects of unfulfilled expectations and marital conflicts. Specifically, we test the relationship of unfulfilled expectations with marital conflict as moderated by spousal support. We tested our assumptions in a field study that involved data collected with 494 participants drawn from University of Nigeria Nsukka in Enugu state of Nigeria. The measures consist of Marital Problems Questionnaire (MPQ), Marital Expectations Questionnaire (MEQ), Supportive Spouse Interaction Questionnaire, and demographic variables. Hayes Macro Process was used to test the hypotheses. Participants were 494 couples from Nsukka metropolis consisting of 128 males and 366 females (age range = 17–32 years; M = 21.36; SD = 2.67). Results from Hayes Macro Process confirmed that unfulfilled expectations were not significantly associated with marital conflict. Spousal support was negatively associated with marital conflict, showing the higher the spousal support the lesser the marital conflict. Additionally, spousal support did not moderate the relationship between unfulfilled expectations and marital conflict. Our study helps to better the understanding that spousal support serves as a protective factor to marital conflict such that as couples support each other, the possibility of marital conflicts are reduced and offers implications on how intervention should be focused on increasing spousal support in marital relationships among couples.