Substance Use, Peer Social Comparison, Academic Stress and Psychological Well-Being of Students in Tertiary Institution in Delta South Senatorial District

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between substance use, peer social comparison, academic stress and psychological wellbeing of tertiary institution students in Delta South Senatorial District. The study employed a correlational research design. The population for the study consisted of 2553 students of tertiary institutions in Delta South Senatorial District. The sample size was 332 students. A questionnaire was used for the study. The questionnaire was validated by experts’ judgement and factor analysis. Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was used to estimate the reliability index of the instrument. The Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient of Determination was used to answer the research questions, multiple regression and fisher-z statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that a relationship exists between substance use, peer social comparison, academic stress and psychological well-being of students in tertiary institutions; and that a relationship exists between academic stress and psychological well-being of students in tertiary institutions. However, no relationship exists between substance use and psychological well-being and no relationship exists between peer social comparison and psychological well-being of students in tertiary institutions. The study also found that no significant moderating impact of sex on the relationship between substance use and psychological well-being peer social comparison and psychological well-being and between academic stress and psychological well-being of students. The study recommended that institutions should establish holistic mental health programmes that address the interplay of substance use, peer social comparison, academic stress, and psychological well-being.