Multi - Variant Factors As Correlates of Psychological Well-Being of Sexually Molested Female Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual molestation during adolescence is a traumatic experience that significantly impacts the psychological well-being of female victims. The consequences of sexual abuse in adolescence can manifest in a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social withdrawal. Research indicates that these adolescents are more likely to experience diminished life satisfaction, impaired self-esteem, and difficulties in emotional regulation. Factors such as age, personality traits, and social support play crucial roles in moderating the psychological outcomes of trauma. This study examines multi-variant factors as correlates of psychological well-being of sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive research design of correlation type. A total of 35 sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Questionnaires consisting of demographic information and sections which are standardized scales on psychological wellbeing and extraversion. Three research questions were answered using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Age (r=-0.032, p>0.05) showed no correlation with psychological well-being among sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria and extraversion (r=0.347, p<0.05) showed a positive correlation with psychological well-being among sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria. All the independent variables jointly accounted for 11.0% variance in predicting psychological well-being of sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria. Age (β = -0.093; t = -.557, p>0.05) had no relative influences on the dependent variable (psychological well-being) among sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria and extraversion (β = 0.362; t = 2.164, p<0.05) had relative influences to the dependent variable (psychological well-being) among sexually molested female adolescents in Ibadan Nigeria. Encouraging family involvement, peer support groups and community-based programs can provide a sense of safety and belonging. Social connections are essential for fostering resilience and reducing feelings of isolation and stigma.

Rachel Ayodeji Thomas, Olukemi Y. Akinyemi, and Adebayo David Oluwole. Multi - Variant Factors As Correlates of Psychological Well-Being of Sexually Molested Female Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ibadan Journal of Educational Studies, 22(2), 116-130.