Psychosocial Environment and Cognitive Development in Young Adults of Diobu Settlement Area of Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

The argument on the effect of psychosocial environment on the cognitive development in young adults of Diobu settlement area is central in this paper. It is argued that psychological spheres of young adults are easily influenced by the social conditions of the environment where they grow up. Social conditions of environment where young adults grow up have significant affect on the world view and perception of what they consider to be good or evil in society. When cognitive perception of young adults in Diobu were observed, it was discovered that psychosocial environment where they grew up impacted significantly on their latter behaviour in life. This informed the basis of analysis for the study. Materials for the study included both qualitative and quantitative sources. Questionnaire, in-depth interviews, community town hall discussions and observation methods were used to collect data for the study. Copies of questionnaires were distributed to 208 households. Results show significant relationship between psychosocial environment and cognitive development of young adults in the study area. Social reintegration, gentrification and livelihood support programmes have been identified to aid in healthy development of young adults in the area.