Social Rejection, Internet Addiction, and Depression as Predictors of Deviant Behaviour among In-School Adolescents in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the predictive roles of social rejection, internet addiction, and depression on deviant behaviour among in-school adolescents in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 227 adolescents selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Standardized instruments, including the Social Rejection Scale (Downey & Feldman, 1996), Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998), Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck et al., 1996), and Deviant Behaviour Scale (Achenbach, 1991), were used to collect data. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed. Data were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between social rejection (r = 0.563, p < 0.01), internet addiction (r = 0.449, p < 0.01), depression (r = 0.601, p < 0.01), and deviant behaviour. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the three predictors jointly explained 46% of the variance in deviant behaviour (R = 0.678, R² = 0.460, F(3,223) = 61.34, p < 0.001). Relative contributions showed depression as the strongest predictor (β = 0.352, t = 5.18, p < 0.001), followed by social rejection (β = 0.285, t = 4.62, p < 0.001), and internet addiction (β = 0.212, t = 3.41, p < 0.01). The study concluded that social, emotional, and digital factors significantly influence deviant behaviour in adolescents, with emotional distress being the most influential determinant. Recommendations include school-based mental health programmes, peer integration initiatives, parental monitoring, and digital literacy education to reduce deviant tendencies. The findings highlight the need for holistic interventions targeting multiple psychosocial domains to promote adolescent well-being.