INFLUENCE OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ON MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR GUIDANCE

Abstract

This study explored influence of child abuse and Neglects on maladaptive behaviour and academic achievement of students in Nigeria: implications for guidance.The design employed for this study was a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all the students attending federal university in Nigeria. A sample size of 650 students was selected for this study. The study revealed that sexual exploitation, child trafficking, child emotional abuse amongst others were some of the various child abuse and neglects in Nigeria. The study further revealed that bullying and cyber bullying, being a prospectiveabuser of other children, substance abuse, acts of cultism amongst others were some of the influence of child abuse and neglects on maladaptive behaviours amongst students in Nigeria. Poor academic achievement, difficulty in concentration amongst others were some of the influence of child abuse and neglects on academic achievement of students in Nigeria. The study recommended that government at all levels should create workshop for both teachers and students on the physical and psychological influences of child abuse and neglects in order to prevent incidence of child abuse and neglects and address the maladaptive behaviours amongst students as well as the menace of poor academic achievement amongst the students.