Abstract:
Peer victimization is spreading like an epidemic, and the issue is more widespread than it first appears. In spite of extensive research on peer victimization, this issue persists. Investigating the elements influencing peer victimization is important. As a result, this study explores the psycho-social factors that influence peer victimization among in-school adolescents in the Oyo state metropolis of Ibadan. A descriptive survey research design was used for this study. Using a stratified sampling technique, 300 participants were chosen from three secondary schools in the city. The participants' ages ranged from 11 to 24, with a mean age of 12.88 (SD: 8.46). Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis were both used to test three research questions. The results showed that depression (r =.231, p.05), learned helplessness (r =.165, p.05), and self-esteem (r =.189, p.05) all had statistically significant positive relationships. The three factors together explained 10.1% of the variation in the participants' predictions of peer victimization. The variables made positive relative contribution to peer victimization in the following order: depression contributed most to the prediction of peer victimization among secondary school adolescents in Ibadan (? = .239, t = 4.338; p <.05), followed by Learned helplessness (? = .136, t = 2.319; p <.05) and self-esteem (? = .129, t = 2.052; p <.05). It is advised that a supportive environment be set up to reduce peer victimization in light of this finding. Young people should be encouraged to use their self-concept positively. Additionally, school counselors should focus more on addressing adolescents' feelings of hopelessness and depression in order to reduce peer victimization.
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