Peer pressure, stress and substance abuse among students of Makerere University

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between Peer pressure, Stress and Substance abuse among students of Makerere University. A correlational study design that is 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 a significant relationship between stress and substance abuse among the school going adolescents. This means that the adolescents who are stressed 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.