GENDER AND LOCALITY AS PREDICTORS OF ASSERTIVE BEHAVIOUR AMONG SCHOOL-GOING ADOLESCENTS IN ODOGBOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

This study investigated gender and locality as predictors of assertive behaviour among school-going adolescents in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised all in-school adolescents in the study area, from which a sample of 380 students was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure involving stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Assertive Behaviour Questionnaire (ABQ), adapted from the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS). The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.81. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis and independent samples t-tests. The findings revealed that both gender and locality significantly predicted assertive behaviour among the respondents. Male adolescents demonstrated higher levels of assertiveness than their female counterparts, while students from semi-urban communities were found to be more assertive than those from rural areas. The study concludes that gender and locality are important demographic factors influencing assertive behaviour among adolescents. It recommends the implementation of school-based assertiveness training programmes, gender-sensitive counselling interventions, and community awareness initiatives to promote healthy self-expression, interpersonal competence, and positive social development among adolescents.