Childhood Trauma, Academic Amotivation, and Parenting Styles as Predictors of Adolescent Substance Use in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Adolescent substance use represents a significant public health challenge that disrupts educational achievement, mental health, and long-term social adjustment. While prior studies have established childhood trauma and parenting as determinants, little is known about their interaction with academic amotivation within the Nigerian context. This study investigated childhood trauma, academic amotivation, and parenting styles as correlates of adolescent substance use in Akure, Ondo State. A descriptive survey research design was employed with 168 secondary school students selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Academic Motivation Scale, Parental Authority Questionnaire, and the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between substance use and childhood trauma (r = 0.46), academic amotivation (r = 0.38), and neglectful, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles, while authoritative parenting showed a negative correlation (r = -0.29). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the predictors jointly accounted for 48% of the variance in adolescent substance use, with childhood trauma being the strongest contributor, followed by academic amotivation and neglectful parenting, and authoritative parenting demonstrating a protective effect. These findings underscore the interconnected role of personal, academic, and family factors in shaping adolescents’ risk behaviours. The study concludes that interventions to reduce substance use should integrate trauma-informed care, motivational enhancement strategies, and parental training to promote authoritative practices. It is recommended that schools, families, and community stakeholders collaborate to develop holistic prevention and intervention frameworks tailored to Nigerian adolescents.