Psychopathological Symptoms and Aggressive Behaviour among High School Adolescents

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between psychopathological symptoms of paranoid ideation, anxiety and depression, and aggression among adolescents. Through purposive sampling 584 adolescents from 2 private schools and 2 public schools in Anambra state were selected for the study. 300(52.2%) were males while 284(47.8%) were females. Their ages ranged from 13-17 years, with a mean age of 15.09 and standard deviation of 1.46. Psychopathological symptoms scales (6-item paranoid ideation scale, 10-item anxiety scale and 13-item depressive symptoms scale) and 6-item aggressiveness scale were used in the study. Pearson product moment correlation was used as a statistical tool to test three hypotheses in the study. The first hypothesis which stated that there will be a significant positive relationship between paranoid ideation and aggression was confirmed, r(1,584)=.31,p<.05. The second hypothesis which stated that anxiety will have a positive relationship with aggression was confirmed, r (1,584) =. 64,p<.05). Also, the third hypothesis which states that there will be a significant positive relationship between depressive symptoms and aggression was confirmed, r(1,584)=0.64,p<.05 level of significance. The need for proper mental health hygiene, and regular psychological checkup in schools was recommended.