Peer pressure, locus of control and substance abuse among secondary school students in Kampala district

Abstract

Peer pressure is a key factor in adolescent’s involvement in substance abuse. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between Peer pressure, Locus of control and Substance abuse among Secondary school Students in Kampala District. .A correlational study design that quantitative and descriptive was adopted to establish the relationship between the variables. Total of 100 respondents, both male and female participated in the study. Data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences [SPSS], where Pearson correlation co efficient [r] was used to test the significance of hypotheses .The study revealed that there was a significant relationship pressure and substance abuse among adolescents. Implying that peers play a crucial role in adolescent’s use of substances. The study also revealed that there was no significant relationship between locus of control and substance abuse among adolescents. This means that the adolescents who feel little personal control over their lives are more likely to abuse substances while adolescents who feel personal control over their lives are less likely to abuse substances The study lastly the study showed no significant relationship between peer pressure and locus of control among adolescents