Exposure to Domestic Violence, Anger Expression, and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Aggressive Behaviour among In-School Adolescents in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated how exposure to domestic violence, anger expression, and coping strategies predict aggressive behaviour among in-school adolescents in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design with a correlational approach, data were collected from 250 adolescents aged 13–19 years in selected public secondary schools through a three-stage multistage sampling technique. Standardized instruments were utilized, including the Exposure to Domestic Violence Scale (Evans et al., 2008), State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (Spielberger, 1999), Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (Patterson & McCubbin, 1987), and Aggressive Behaviour Scale (Buss & Perry, 1992). Data were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between exposure to domestic violence and aggressive behaviour (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) as well as between anger expression and aggression (r = 0.52, p < 0.01). Conversely, coping strategies correlated negatively with aggressive behaviour (r = –0.37, p < 0.01), showing that adaptive coping skills mitigate aggression. The joint contribution of the predictors was statistically significant (R = 0.62, R² = 0.38, F(3,246) = 33.67, p < 0.05), explaining 38% of the variance in aggression. In terms of relative contribution, exposure to domestic violence (β = 0.41, t = 7.00, p < 0.01) emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by anger expression (β = 0.33, t = 5.14, p < 0.01), while coping strategies (β = –0.21, t = –3.50, p < 0.05) had a negative contribution. These findings suggest that adolescents exposed to domestic violence and with poor anger regulation are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviour, whereas effective coping mechanisms reduce such tendencies. The study concludes that family environment and emotional regulation are critical determinants of adolescent aggression. It recommends that school-based counselling programmes should strengthen emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies among students. Additionally, parents and caregivers should be educated on the adverse psychological effects of domestic violence to promote healthier emotional development in adolescents.