A Publication of the Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe Univeristy, Awka, Anambra State
Meaningful Work Experience among Private Sector Employees in Anambra State
This study examined the predictive influence of organizational creativity, work-life balance, and firm transparency on meaningful work experiences among commercial bank employees in Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 303 commercial bank employees (91 males and 212 females) participated in the study. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique to ensure representation across different banks and job levels. To collect data, Work and Meaning Inventory, Organizational Creativity Scale, Work-Life Balance Scale and Firm Transparency Scale were individually administered to the participants. Findings revealed that organizational creativity, work-life balance, and firm transparency significantly predicted meaningful work experience. Furthermore, when examined collectively, these factors demonstrated a stronger joint predictive relationship with meaningful work experience. It was recommended that management and stakeholders should implement policies that prioritize employee creativity, promote work-life balance, and maintain open communication practices to promote meaningful work experience and enhance employees’ job fulfilment and productivity.
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Moderating Role of Locus of Control on the Relationships between Grit and Test Anxiety among Undergraduates in Public Universities in Anambra State, Nigeria
This study investigated the moderating role of locus of control on the relationship between grit and test anxiety among undergraduates in public universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Total of 381 undergraduates selected through simple random sampling and accidental sampling from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu university, igbariam served as participants. The sample comprised 134 males and 247 females, aged 18–37 years (M = 24.14, SD = 5.77). Standardized measures were utilized, including the Grit Scale (assessing perseverance and passion for long-term goals), the Test Anxiety Inventory (evaluating test anxiety levels), and Rotter's Locus of Control Scale (determining internal versus external orientation). A correlational research design was employed, and Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to test the study hypotheses. The findings revealed that grit negatively correlated with students’ test anxiety at (F2, 378), β= -.22, p<.01. Internal locus of control did not moderate the relationship between grit and test anxiety at (F6, 374), β= .02, p>.05. External locus of control moderated the relationship between grit and test anxiety at (F6, 374), β= .25, p<.01. These results highlighted the critical role of locus of control in shaping how grit influenced test anxiety. The study emphasized the need for interventions to develop grit while fostering locus of control to reduce test anxiety among students. Implications for educational practices, counselling strategies, and future research are discussed.
The Place of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism Practice
Journalism practice has witnessed eras and paradigm shifts as far back as humanity has existed, and these eras are characterized by changes in journalism practice and landscape. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into journalism practice is relatively new in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, where technological advancements seem to be growing. Thus, the current study investigated the place of artificial intelligence in journalism practice among journalists in Anambra State. The study was grounded in Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Technological Determinism Theory. The study adopted the mixed methods research design integrating both survey and in-depth interview. The study adopted census sampling technique in selecting all 265 registered practicing journalists in Anambra State. Both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data collected for the study respectively. The study found that journalists in the state possess substantial knowledge about AI and its application in journalism. The study also found that hindrance to AI integration in journalism include resistance to new technology, lack of requisite ICT knowledge and lack of finance. The study concluded that despite significant knowledge about AI's potential for enhancing news production, fact-checking, and personalized content delivery by journalists, barriers such as financial constraints, technological resistance, and inadequate ICT skills hinder its full adoption. The study thus recommends among others that media houses across Nigeria, with guidance from the National Broadcasting Commission, should implement policies that support the gradual shift toward technologically driven broadcasting.
Assessment of Gender Inequality and Disparity in Remunerations of Employees in Nigeria Civil Service
This study assessed gender inequality and disparity in the remunerations of employees in Nigerian Civil Service: a study of Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, Awka. The study objectives also examined prevalence, causes, effects and ways through which gender inequality and disparity in the remuneration of employees can be curtailed. Four theories were reviewed namely undervaluation theory, theory of sexism, relative deprivation theory and Marxian theory. The study adopted two theories as the theoretical framework namely undervaluation and relative deprivation theories. The study used mixed methods research design for data collection and analysis. A sample size of 204 respondents was used. The quantitative data collected were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, simple percentages, and charts, while the qualitative data were analyzed using Nvivo (Version 2.0) software. Two hypotheses were tested using the Chi–square (X2) test statistics. Results found amongst other things, that causes of gender disparity among male and female workers include lack of required skill sets, level of education, family background, place of residence, age and scarcity of job opportunities which often force female employees to accept low paying jobs. Effects of gender disparity on employees in Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue include low productivity, workplace accidents, depression, toxic work environment, and poor living conditions. The study therefore recommends among other things, that there is need for a more robust awareness creation on the dangers of gender inequality, payment disparity and discrimination in the workplace.
Determinants and Consequences of Cultism amongst the Undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
This study investigated determinants and consequences of cultism amongst students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study objectives looked at prevalence, determinants, consequences, and ways to eradicate cultism among students. Four theories were examined namely differential association theory, opportunist theory, strain theory and social control theory. The study adopted two theories as the theoretical framework namely differential association theory and the opportunist theory. Mixed methods research design was used. The target population was 24,706 regular students aged 16 years and above schooling in NAU Awka. The study sampled 202 respondents. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used. The quantitative data collected were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentages and frequency counts while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using Chi–square (X2) test statistic. Findings indicated that there is moderate prevalence of cultism in NAU Awka. Data analysed showed that major determinants of cultism include peer pressure, revenge, poor parenting, drug abuse and poverty. The study confirmed that students who engage in cultism are likely to experience poor academic performance, loss of lives and valuables, disruption of academic activities, and closure of small-scale businesses within the school premises. Based on these findings, it was recommended amongst others that the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka should create adequate awareness on the dangers of cultism on the lives of undergraduates. Also, government and nongovernmental agencies should step up their campaigns against cultism because of its destructive tendencies in our universities and the general society.
Prevailing Effects of Narcotic Abuse Among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
This study investigated prevailing effects of narcotic abuse among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study objectives included prevalence of narcotic abuse, causes of narcotic abuse amongst undergraduates, effects of narcotic abuse among undergraduates and ways of curtailing narcotic abuse. Three theories were examined namely psychological theory of crime, differential association theory and strain theory. Differential association theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study adopted the mixed methods research design. The target population was 24,706 regular undergraduates, aged 18 years and above studying in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study sampled 204 respondents. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used. Multi-stage involves the use of purposive sampling (i.e. non-probability sampling method) and other successive types of probability sampling method in selecting the respondents. The quantitative data collected were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentages, frequency counts and graphic illustrations while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using Chi–square (X2) test statistics. Findings indicated that there is high prevalence of narcotic abuse among students of NAU. Majority of the respondents engage in abuse of narcotics such as marijuana, heroin, and morphine/opium. Data analyzed showed that the causes of narcotic abuse among students include peer group pressure, negative family experience, broken home, cultism, availability of narcotics in the neighbourhood and boosting self-confidence. The study confirmed that undergraduates, who engage in narcotic abuse are likely to experience poor academic performance, consent to unsafe sex due to influence of narcotic, examination malpractice bullies, etc. Based on these findings, it was recommended amongst others that awareness creation on the dangers of consuming narcotic substances should be organized. Also, undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka should sign an undertaken not to do drugs.
Psychosocial Determinants of Antisocial Behaviours Among Incarcerated Inmates at a Medium Security Correctional Facility in Northeastern Nigeria
The study investigated adverse childhood experiences and cannabis use as determinants of antisocial behaviours of inmates at a medium security prison in north-east, Nigeria. The motivation for the study was due to observed paucity of empirical research on antisocial behaviours and associated risks among inmates in the area, despite anecdotal evidence of persistent involvement of youths in violent and destructive behaviours that violates social norms and expectations. Correlational survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 123 inmates were recruited at a Medium Correctional Centre, Biu, through simple random sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using multiple and Linear regression analysis to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that adverse childhood experiences, particularly early experience of parental neglect and sexual abuse predicted future antisocial behaviours. Also, cannabis use among inmates and its interaction with traumatic experiences predicted greater problems. The implication of this result is that early exposure to adverse traumatic events and subsequent involvement in drug use may lead to antisocial behaviours, significantly resulting to security threats and spurt in incarceration with other attendant consequences. Thus, it was recommended, among others, that parents and other stakeholders should provide early support to children who are victims of neglect and sexual abuse to prevent future development of antisocial behaviours and security problems in the northeast region.
Determinants of Gender Inequalities affecting Women’s Participation in Higher Educational Institutions in Maiduguri
This study assessed the determinants of gender inequalities affecting women’s participation in higher educational institutions in Maiduguri. The study aimed at determining prevailing gender inequalities faced by women participating in higher education, the factors, and efforts of empowerment strategies to address these inequalities. The study was anchored on the patriarchal theory of state and adopted mixed method design of qualitative and quantitative. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 295 respondents using structured questionnaire design. The data was collected, transcribed, and analysed using statistical package for social sciences. The study revealed that cultural bias against women prevented their appointment to top administrative leadership positions in higher educational institutions. The findings of this study also revealed patriarchal beliefs against women’s position in the society placed them as recipient of persistent inequality practices. The study also revealed that empowerment strategies like education are other measures that can be used to address inequality practices against women. The study recommends improved government efforts at enforcing policies and prosecution of human right violation to achieve human right of women in the society. The study also recommends mainstreaming gender perspectives in higher educational institutions.
Perception and Responsiveness of Broadcast Media Campaign on Family Planning Methods among Resident Married Men in Anambra North Senatorial District
The process of planning and deciding the time to have children, generally referred to as family planning, has been viewed by many as a foreign contraption and not meant for the African man. This, therefore necessitated the study to investigate the perception and responsiveness of married men on broadcast media campaign on family planning methods among Anambra North residents of Anambra State. The study adopted the theory of reasoned action (TRA). A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Research questions were raised to guide the study. The population of the study was 1,496,000 (One Million Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand) persons made up of married men from Anambra North Senatorial Zone of Anambra, Nigeria. A multi-staged random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A sample size of 400 was gotten using the Taro-Yamani formula. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using frequency and percentage. The study revealed that married men’s awareness about family planning is high, perception of men towards some family planning measures is positive though felt it’s a woman’s thing. The study therefore recommended among others, that the government and civil societies partner to reach out to traditional rulers and community chiefs to conduct health orientation programmes in various communities in Anambra North on repositioning and importance of family planning.
Job Crafting Behaviour among Public Sector Employees
Job crafting has been introduced to describe how employees adapt their jobs to their preferences and needs. This has gained significant attention in the organizational behaviour literature. Based on the, this study examined the predictive effect of psychological flexibility and career sense of calling on public servants’ job crafting behaviour. A cross-sectional design and quantitative approach for data collection were utilized. Convenience sampling was utilized for selecting 200 university administrative employees from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The participants comprised 89 males and 111 females with a mean age of 37.84 years (SD= ±9.96). Standardized self-report measures of psychological flexibility, career sense of calling, and job crafting behaviour scales were used for collecting data from the participants while regression analysis was used for testing the hypotheses via the IBM-SPSS Statistics v25. The results indicated that psychological flexibility (B= .40, t[200] = 11.38, p< .05) and career sense of calling (B= .28, t[200] = 7.55,p< .05) significantly predict job crafting behaviour. The combined effect of psychological flexibility and career sense of calling was also significant. The results of the study highlighted the importance of psychological flexibility and career sense of calling in predicting job crafting behaviour among university administrative employees. It was recommended that organisations should engage (during the recruitment stage) employees with a higher sense of calling for the job, recruited and trained as this has positive implications for job crafting.
ROLE OF SELF- CONCEPT AND GENDER IN INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This study investigated the role of self-concept and gender on intellectual achievement responsibility. 164 senior secondary school students (SSII), 87 girls and 77boys with an average age of 16 years participated in the study. Self-Description Questionnaire short version SDQII-S by Marsh (1990) was used to measure self- concept, while the intellectual achievement responsibility questionnaire (IAR) Crandall et.al.,1965 which was adapted in Nigeria by Eyo (2005) was used to measure intellectual achievement responsibility. ANOVA statistics was used to test the hypothesis that there will be no significant self-concept and gender difference in Intellectual achievement responsibility. The results indicated that those with high self-concept scored higher in their intellectual achievement responsibility compared to those with low self-concept (F=4.95, P=<.05). Gender was not found to be significant. Discussion highlighted the necessity of encouraging self-concept enhancement scheme in school and families and the need to understand school children's intellectual achievement responsibility.
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR CURBING CORRUPTION IN NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
This paper looked at the phenomenon of corruption in Nigeria particularly in institutions of learning. It x-rayed its manifestation and devastating effects on the youths in particular and the nation at large. It suggested psychological approaches to combating corruption in Nigeria in order to forestall youth underdevelopment or impoverishment.
ALIENATION AND SUICIDAL TENDENCIES AMONG LEPROSY PATIENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE
This study focused on psychosocial problems facing leprosy patients in Anambra State with emphasis on alienation and suicidal tendencies. Questionnaire containing 17 close ended and 3 open ended items was administered on 34 patients at Okija and Nnewi Leprosy Clinics which were purposively selected for the study. Frequency tables and simple percentages were used for analysis. It wasfound that patients encounter stigmatization, alienation, segregation, low self-esteem, self-destructive tendencies and other forms of psychosocial morbidity and dysfunctions. The level of alienation and contemplations of suicide was relatively high. It was recommended that Psychologists and Sociologists who have expertise to understand and respond to these problems should be part of leprosy control teams. Patients, their families and the community should also be properly informed about leprosy in order to improve their understanding of the disease, stimulate appropriate coping responses and improve efficiency of leprosy control programme in the State.
LEADERSHIP STYLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS PREDICTORS OF WORKERS' EFFECTIVENESS
The study examined the influences of leadership style and organizational culture on workers' effectiveness using one hundred and twenty (120) participants’ drawn from two (2) organizations (1 public and 1 private) in Awka, the capital city of Anambra state, Nigeria. The responses derived from the participants were subjected to 2-way- ANOVA statistics. The results of the analysis revealed a significant main effect for leadership style, F (1,116) = 6.67 at P<.05 with (M = 80.85, SD = 55.52), which confirms hypothesis one. Also, a significant main effect exist for organizational culture, F (1.116) = 1790.00 at P<.05 with (M = 80.85, SD = 12.34), which confirms hypothesis two. The results have implications for managing modern work organizations.
THE IMPACT OF REVENUE ELASTICITY OF VALUE ADDED TAX IN NIGERIA
The Objectives of this work is to find out the extent to which value added tax (VAT) has succeeded over sale tax in bolstering government revenue and also the revenue elasticity of VAT This was achieved by determining the nature of relationship between the VAT and government revenue, and the amount of revenue collected through VAT over the years under study. Regression analysis was used and it was found out that elasticity of VAT is greater than unity. Meaning that 1 percent increase in value added increases total revenue by 1.264 percent. The t-test and F-test also proved that VAT has a positive and significant contribution to total revenue. It was observed that company profit tax and customs and exercise duties have negative coefficients which show that their contribution to government revenue has been on the decrease. It was also observed that the negative coefficient psychologically affect the consumption expenditure of individuals and household. This lead to the recommendation that government should review the policies on trade in order to ensure positive contribution to total tax revenue.
The study investigated the suitability of the draw-a-person test as a measure of children's intellectual ability. A total of 3000 students from Owerri aged 6-15 years participated in the study. From these 200 participants representing equal number of male and females were drawn through systematic random sampling for analysis. A co-relational design ~vas employed to test the hypothesis. The result of this study showed that there was significant relationship between academic performance and draw a person test of the pupils. The implications of using a draw a person quotient as a test of intelligence among children were discussed.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA: NATURE, AND SECURITY IMPLICATIONS
This paper conceptualizes security as involving all activities that are put in place to check adverse forces that threaten the well-being of lives and property, or all activities involved ill ensuring that citizens feel happy, and safe from danger and worry. It explored psychological trauma, pointing out [he aetiological factors, the course and outcomes. Individual differences in people's reaction to traumatic events were explained using cognitive theory, personality traits and availability or otherwise of adequate social support, while the relationship between National security and psychological trauma was established using the social learning theory, the motivational theory, the locus of control orientation and attribution theory. The paper concludes that the current wave of crime and law breaking in Nigeria can be drastically curtailed if traumatized people are healed and traumatogenic activities are checked.
MOTIVATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH JOB DESIGN AND GOAL SETTING: A THEORETICAL OVERVIEW
What is the difference between a garbage collector and waste management agent? Isn't it all about collecting rubbish? Yet, most people would agree that there are more motivational qualities attached to being a waste management agent! Yes, even in the disposal of waste, perceptions, goals, expectations and frames of reference differ across different designs (or packaging) of essentially the same job. Can the design of a job and the setting of goals really motivate performance? We are convinced they can and the aim of this paper is to show you how.
PREVAILING PSYCHOLOGICAL ORIENTATION AMONG NIGERIANS: THE IMPEDIMENT TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Nigeria has continued to be a poor and under-developed country because of improper management of the vast natural and human resources we are endowed with. Personal and sectional interests have overshadowed national interests and the resultant culture is laissez faire attitude towards anything designed for common good. This carelessness and corruption are overt manifestations of psychological states of public property managers such as: externality locus of control orientation, responsibility attribution away from self, poor mental health hygiene and 'the Nigerian factor'. Reversal of this trend of poor public property management can be effected through application of cognitive behavioural approaches as discussed.
INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION ON LIFE SATISFACTION OF MARRIED WOMEN
The study investigated the influence of education and occupation on life satisfaction of married women using 240 participants aged between 25 and 52 years with a mean age of34. 19 and standard deviation of 4.95. The satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) by Diener (1993) was used to ascertain the level of life satisfaction among the participants in different occupations and levels of educational attainment. The 4x3 factorial design study used the two-way ANOVA statistic and the scheffe's post analysis test to ana1yze and make inferences on the data. The result showed that at P<.001 educational attainment and occupation both significantly influenced life satisfaction.
Department of Psychology Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
The fight against corrupt practices in Nigeria, relating to public procurement, award of contracts and fiscal discipline has in the past few years been conceptualized as Due Process Mechanism. This mechanism ensures that certain processes are taken by public officials to ensure that things are done properly, and as when they are supposed. The process was also adopted to ensure that the gap between role expectations and role behaviour of public servant are narrowed. This paper examines the extent to which stress could be a function of nonnormative behaviour, viz non adherence to the Due Process Mechanism and its relationship with Job satisfaction. The paper posits that reducing work related stress by adhering to the Due Process Mechanism could significantly increase job satisfaction.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IN LEADERSHIP SELECTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The paper examined the problems and consequences associated with leadership selection processes in Nigeria. It posited that the Nation's underdevelopment in all its ramifications revolves around poor leadership quality resulting from deficiencies in selection processes. It noted that selection (election) processes in Nigeria are devoid of strategies that yield good quality and effective leadership. The paper asserted that in order to ensure effective leadership that is development-oriented, psychological assessment must be an indispensable part and parcel of the selection process
MANAGEMENT OF LOW SELF ESTEEM USING ASSERTIVENESS THERAPY
This study employed Assertiveness Therapy in the management of low self-esteem. A total of forty diagnosed low self-esteem undergraduates randomly selected from Alvan Ikoku College of Education and Imo State University, all in Owerri, Imo State were used. They comprised 20 males and 20 females with an age range of 20 to 35 years. Hare Self-esteem Scale was used in selecting the low self-esteem participants and also in testing their level of low self-esteem three days after the administration of Assertiveness Therapy. It was hypothesized that Assertiveness Therapy will improve participants' self-esteem and also, age and gender of participants would influence the effect of Assertiveness Therapy on their low self-esteem. Based on the data collected and analyzed with the z-test statistics, it was discovered that Assertiveness Therapy significantly reduced low self-esteem. However, age and gender variables did not determine the effects of Assertiveness Therapy in the management of low self-esteem. The implications of the findings were discussed based on literature and recommendations made accordingly.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE PERCEPTUAL PROCESS IN ADVERTISING
Everyday in our contemporary world our perceptual systems are bombarded by advertising messages which claim something that goes the gamut of the sublime to the ridiculous. These messages are not purposeless. Advertising messages are purpose-oriented communication which seeks, in the main, to persuade consumers and make them to be favourably disposed to a product, service, idea or cause. That such messages achieve their goals depends on the perception of the target audience exposed to them. Adverts perceived as credible, convince the audience and achieve the major advertising goal of "closing sales"; advertising perceived as "hullabaloo" by the audience achieves nothing but mere "show." This paper discusses the consumer perceptual process against the backdrop of the dynamics of advertising, and attempts to establish the part played by the perceptual process in eliciting a favourable or unfavourable response to advertising messages
TOWARDS A MODEL OF LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE
This paper proposes the integration of the Model of Culture Fit proposed by Aycan, Kanungo & Sinha (1999) with the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership developed by House (1971) and Locke's (1968) Goal Setting Theory. The Culture Fit Model explains human resource practices of leaders on the basis of organizational culture variables without considering the impact of societal culture and values in initiating human resource practices. The Path-Goal Theory conceptualizes the leader's role as that of providing direction and support for employees in attaining their goals and those of the organization. Goal Setting Theory proposes that intentions and goals of individuals determine their performance. Conceptual parallels that seek to explain employee performance on the bases of culture, leadership style and goal setting are identified and interaction effects among the various dimensions analyzed. The resulting model of leadership and organizational performance proposed in this paper examines the interconnectedness of societal culture and values, leadership and motivation in relation to performance in organizations. The integration of the models should therefore further understanding of the social and cultural processes that enhance organizational performance, Implications for theory and practice as well as directions for future research are presented.
Rational Choice Theory of Crime: Punishment Implications For Kidnapping In Nigeria
This paper examined the position of the Rational Choice Theory vis-à-vis the commission of crime such as Kidnapping and how best to control it through the application of stiffer punishments. The authors approached this vexed issue by exploring the concept of Kidnapping and its categories. The paper also discussed theoretical approaches to the phenomenon of Kidnapping in Nigeria. The authors also aligned themselves with the position of the Rational Choice Theory by advocating for more proactive punishment regimen as a panacea to the phenomenon of Kidnapping in Nigeria. The paper therefore, recommended among others for confiscation and destruction of all properties accruing from this ignoble act of kidnapping in order to deter further commission of such crimes.
Huge resources through the government and private sectors have been allocated and reallocated to the task of preventing kidnapping. These efforts, however, often lack a conceptual, let alone empirical based foundation for understanding kidnappers and their acts of violence. This paper seeks to analyze and synthesize what has been reported from theoretical and empirical literature about the psychology of kidnapping. Based on a review of existing literature, and in an efforts to better understand the causes, motivations, and determinants of kidnapper behavior, this study analyzes key themes and findings on the psychology of kidnapping: (1) No single psychological theory has gained ascendance as an explanatory model for kidnapper violence. (2) Kidnapper violence most often is deliberate (not impulsive), strategic, and instrumental. (3) Perceived injustice, need for identify and need for belongings are common motives among potential kidnapers. (4) Mental illness is not a critical factor in explaining kidnapper behavior. Also most kidnappers are not psychopaths. (5) There is no kidnapper personality nor is there any accurate profile of the kidnapper. (6) Kidnapper beliefs tend to provide a set of values that justify and mandate certain behaviors. Those beliefs are regarded as absolute, and the behaviors are seen as serving a meaningful cause. Research on the psychology of kidnapping is embryonic at best. More research is needed to develop an evidence-based knowledge concerning the psychology of kidnappers.
The paper defines criminal acts as behaviors that violate norms, to which the law attaches punishments as deterrents. It explains that psychologists as human behavior experts apply knowledge accruing form general and applied psychology to explain biological and environmental motivations of crime, and the relationship between personality factors and criminal behavior. It holds that in contemporary society, most criminal activities can be explained by the economic model of crime which it considers an offshoot of the social cognitive theory, and the rational choice theory, although a few cases of crime are consequences of poor mental health (biological factors). The paper opines that crime investigation which main goal is identification of perpetrators of crime involves analyses of these factors alongside physical evidence at the crime scene and vital aspects of crime analyses. It recommends massive involvement of qualified psychologist in the fight against crime in Nigeria.
Psychology and Law: A Symbiosis of Two Social Science Oriented Disciplines
The paper is aimed at highlighting the confluence of law and psychology: interrogating the extent to which psychology could be applied in/through the law court to further the course of justice under the theme ‘Psychology and Law. The three operative concepts here, therefore, are justice, law and psychology. Law and psychology are two separate disciplines, but have much in common. While psychology’s goal is to understand behavior and law’s goal to regulate it, both fields make assumptions about what causes people to act the way they do. It is a known fact that psychologists, world over, engage in research how to improve the legal system.
Paranoid Ideation And Anxiety As Correlates of Domestic Violence Among Married Police Officers
All over the world, domestic violence is an issue of optimum concern, which has been associated with a lot of factors. This paper investigated paranoid ideation and anxiety as correlates of domestic violence among married police officers. Frustration-aggressiondisplacement theory seems to capture the most probable explanation on the correlation between paranoid ideation, anxiety and domestic violence. A total number of 124 married people police officers conveniently selected from Police stations in Amawbia and Awka participated in the study. Their ages ranged between 28 to 56 with the mean age of 28.94 and standard deviation of 5.28. The Symptoms Distress Checklist (SCL-90) by Derogatis, Lipman and Covi (1973), and Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) by Hertz and Sitterle (2006) were used for data collection. The result of the Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis very strongly suggested that paranoid ideation and anxiety correlated with domestic violence. The researchers recommended that psychological screening as with other health-based screening be conducted on the intending couples before they are joined together.