ABSTRACT
Cultism remains a pressing issue in Nigerian educational institutions, particularly among junior secondary school students, where it affects academic performance, psychological well-being, and school security. This study examines the influence of socioeconomic status, family dynamics, peer pressure, and the school environment on students’ attitudes towards cultism in public junior secondary schools within Benin Metropolis. The research aims to explore how these sociological factors contribute to students' perceptions, involvement, and resistance to cult-related activities.
A descriptive survey research design was employed, with a sample of 420 students drawn from six public junior secondary schools in Benin Metropolis. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, the Cultism Attitudes Questionnaire (CAQ), which was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.871. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, were used to analyse the research findings.
The study reveals that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more susceptible to cult recruitment due to financial hardship and social alienation. Family dynamics play a crucial role, with strong parental involvement and positive family values serving as protective factors against cultism, whereas family conflict and lack of supervision increase vulnerability. Peer pressure significantly shapes students' attitudes, with pro-cult peer associations fostering positive perceptions of cultism, while peer disapproval acts as a deterrent. The school environment also plays a pivotal role, with positive teacher-student relationships, strong disciplinary measures, and effective counselling services helping to curb cult-related activities.
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including improved parental guidance, school-based mentorship programmes, and awareness campaigns to address the root causes of cultism. This study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to develop effective strategies to combat cultism and create a safer, more conducive learning environment for junior secondary school students in Benin Metropolis. By addressing the sociological factors influencing cultism, schools and communities can work towards reducing the prevalence of cult-related activities and fostering positive student development.
