Emotional Dysregulation, Attachment Insecurity, and Substance Abuse as Predictors of Delinquent Behaviour among Adolescents in Foster Care Centres in Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

This study investigated the predictive roles of emotional dysregulation, attachment insecurity, and substance abuse on delinquent behaviour among adolescents in foster care centres in Ibadan, Oyo State. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 126 adolescents purposively selected from three foster care centres. Standardised questionnaires measuring emotional regulation, attachment patterns, substance use, and delinquent behaviour were administered. Pearson product-moment correlation revealed strong positive relationships between delinquent behaviour and emotional dysregulation (r = .59, p < .01), attachment insecurity (r = .53, p < .01), and a moderate correlation with substance abuse (r = .46, p < .01). Emotional dysregulation also correlated significantly with attachment insecurity (r = .48) and substance abuse (r = .42). Multiple regression analysis showed that the three predictors jointly accounted for 45% of the variance in delinquent behaviour (R² = .45, F(3, 123) = 47.36, p < .05). Emotional dysregulation had the strongest relative contribution (β = .49, p < .01), followed by attachment insecurity (β = .38, p < .01) and substance abuse (β = .32, p < .01). These findings highlight that delinquent behaviour among foster care adolescents is influenced by interrelated emotional, relational, and behavioural factors. Interventions prioritising emotional regulation, while simultaneously addressing attachment security and substance abuse, are recommended to reduce delinquency effectively. The study underscores the importance of holistic, multi-domain strategies in promoting prosocial behaviour among adolescents in foster care.