PEER ATTACHMENT AND SELF-ASSERTIVENESS AS DETERMINANTS OF HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR DURING EXTERNAL EXAMINATION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the peer attachment and self-assertiveness as determinants of help-seeking behaviour during external examination among secondary school students in Niger State. As a quantitative study, the study adopted descriptive research design of the survey types. Two (2) research questions were answered in this study. The population of the study consists of 400 secondary school students from ten schools. Two hundred (200) secondary school students in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State were selected as the study sample with the use of simple random sampling technique. It was found out from the result that peer attachment and self-assertiveness influence help-seeking behaviour during examination among students. Peer attachment and self-assertiveness play a significant role as determinants of help-seeking behaviour during external examinations among secondary school students. Peer attachment contributes to a sense of belonging and support from peers, which can positively influence students to seek help when faced with challenges during exams. On the other hand, self-assertiveness enables students to confidently express their needs and seek assistance when necessary. The study recommended that schools should implement programs and interventions that focus on strengthening peer attachment and self-assertiveness among students, educators and school counselors should be trained to identify students who may be struggling with exam-related stress and provide them with the necessary support and resources.