DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study examined the impact of parent–child relationships on psychological and cognitive maturity among adolescents in Upper Sakponba, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State. The main objectives were to investigate how parental communication, emotional support, discipline, and socio-economic background influence the mental, emotional, and intellectual development of adolescents. The study was anchored on four theoretical frameworks: Attachment Theory, Ecological Systems Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Cognitive Development Theory. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from a sample of adolescents and parents using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using frequency tables and simple percentages to determine the extent to which parent–child interactions affect adolescents’ psychological and cognitive growth. The findings revealed that supportive, affectionate, and communicative parenting promotes emotional stability, confidence, and intellectual independence among adolescents. Conversely, neglect, poor communication, and harsh disciplinary practices were found to hinder psychological adjustment and cognitive development. The study concludes that a positive parent–child relationship plays a vital role in fostering both psychological and cognitive maturity in adolescents. It is recommended that parents adopt democratic and empathetic parenting styles, maintain open communication with their children, and provide consistent emotional and moral guidance. Furthermore, community-based programs and governmental policies should focus on parent education and family support to strengthen the overall well-being of adolescents.

Divorce for Hornby (2001) is the legal ending of a marriage. Mirror (2003) defined divorce as the complete break up or dissolution of marriage through legal means. Divorce is the only ceremony that marks the official end of marriage, just like a wedding ceremony marks the official beginning of the same marriage. Divorce is caused by so many things. Some of the common causes of marital problems or divorce as noted by Arowolo (2002) are, abuse, power tussle between couples, poor financial management, infidelity, infertility/childlessness, hot temper, influence of mother-in-law, influence of bad companies, influence of alcohol, improper use of language, impotence, poor communication between couples, early marriage, prolonged sickness, prolonged hardship and maltreatment. The phenomenon of divorce is receiving increasing attention as a stress-inducing factor or a life crisis that affects over two million adults and one million children world wide annually (Dohrenwend & Dohrenwend, 2004; Norton & Glick, 2003). Marriage breakdown presently appears to be on the increase. Available literature such as Nwoye (1999), Omeje (2000), Aroh (2001), Asogwa (2003), Mirror (2004) and researcher‟s observation from the Nigerian society indicate that marriage breakdown appears to be on the increase and it is becoming increasingly stressful on the part of the divorcees, their children and the society

The study investigated the attitude of social welfare officers towards the aged in Benin community. Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted survey research design. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire; it was built around the research question by the researcher and validated by the researcher’s supervisor. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The major findings of the study are as follows: social welfare officers have positive attitude towards the aged in Benin Community; the attitudes of social welfare services to the elderly population influence: the level of interaction and communication of social workers with the aged, affects their quality of services, the relationship between social workers attitude and the aged and the professionalism of social workers; the respondents agreed that factors contribute to the formation of these attitudes among social welfare officers include: Personal beliefs and values, Religious beliefs. Formal and professional training and Personal life experience. And the potential consequences of negative attitudes towards the aged on the well-being and quality of life of the elderly population include: negative stereotypes or prejudices about the elderly may lead to discrimination or social exclusion, older individuals may experience reduced access to healthcare or support services due to negative attitudes, negative attitudes towards aging impact the mental and emotional well-being of elderly individuals and negative attitudes can contribute to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation among the elderly. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are made: Social welfare officers should maintain good attitude towards the aged in Benin Community and Social workers should always bear it in mind that their attitude towards the aged is very important amongst others

The study examined the effects of youth unemployment in Egor LGA, Edo State. The study indicated that youth unemployment has many negative effects to the society, economy, family, and individuals. From the response got from the questionnaires revealed that youth unemployment leads to poverty, low productivity, losses in foreign direct investment, low revenue generation, rural urban migration, illicit activities which increases insecurity, anti-social activities such as armed robbery, prostitution, political thuggery, violence, kidnapping, restiveness and other social vices evident among the unemployed youths and this constitutes danger to the stability, growth and development of the state. The research concludes that, addressing the problems of youth unemployment, must involve all stakeholders. Suggestions from the analysis therefore, are that effective policy measures such as re-prioritization or revitalization of agricultural sector, reformation of educational system, provision of enabling environment and building of industries be pursued vigorously which will drastically reduce unemployment and poverty as well as eradicate the menace of youth unemployment in Egor LGA, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

This study investigates the intricate impact of single parenthood on child development within the Egor Community of Edo State, Nigeria, and explores its implications for social work practice. Using a descriptive survey design, the research gathered empirical data from 300 single parents to illuminate their socio-economic realities, challenges, and perceptions of how single parenthood affects their children's cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as the availability of support systems. The findings reveal a concerning landscape where single-parent households are disproportionately burdened by pervasive economic precarity, unstable incomes, and a striking deficit in support from both informal networks and formal structures. A particularly poignant finding is the perceived inadequacy of emotional support from family and friends, which challenges the traditional narrative of robust extended family support in African cultures. This lack of support, coupled with economic strain, leads to significant emotional overwhelm and formidable challenges in managing child behavior for single parents. These multifaceted challenges are perceived to exert profound negative influences on children's academic performance, emotional well-being, and social integration. The study, guided by Social Learning Theory and Family Systems Theory, underscores how these stressors can impede positive parental modeling and destabilize the family's emotional equilibrium. The empirical evidence also confirms a severe deficit in formal support systems, representing a systemic failure to protect a vulnerable population and making social work interventions critically urgent and foundational. The research provides a compelling empirical foundation for urgent, integrated, and culturally sensitive social work interventions aimed at bolstering the resilience and well-being of single-parent families in Egor Community

This research examined the prevalence, root causes, and consequences of child sexual abuse within the Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area. A sample of 320 young individuals was selected using a simple random sampling technique from five streets within the Ekosodin Community. The research objectives were developed and tested using structured questionnaires validated through content validity employing the expert judgment approach. Findings revealed that child sexual abuse incidents frequently occur in isolated settings, such as when children are alone, during nighttime, and outside their homes. The study also revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge about child sexual abuse within impoverished communities that increases the risk of abuse. Furthermore, the research found that traditional norms assigning blame to female victims significantly impact the prevalence of child sexual abuse, and participants agreed on the negative consequences of unhealthy relationships with children. The recommendations of this study include raising awareness of the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse in the Ekosodin Community, strengthening child protection systems, addressing the root causes of abuse, providing support services to survivors, and eliminating stigmatization and victim blaming.

This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of substance abuse among youths in Benin City Edo State Nigeria. A qualitative approach was applied in the thesis and content analysis was undertaken. five objectives were raised for the study. The population of the study comprised of youths residing in Oredo local government area. The data generated from the survey were analyzed by means of tables and percentages. The result of the analysis was tested at 0.05 (5%) level of significance. The findings of the study show that drug abuse negatively influences youth behaviour. The study recommend that parents should make deliberate effort to instill high moral standard and ensure they monitor the kind of friends their children hang out with in the community, as doing so will help reduce drug abuse behaviour among.

The study examine impact of social work intervention in curbing the spread of HIVinuniversityof Benin teaching hospital. The specific objectives were to examine if social workers conducteducational programs that inform communities about HIV transmission, prevention methods, andavailable treatment options, evaluate if social workers offer counseling to individuals livingwithHIV/AIDS and their families, find out if social workers engage community membersindiscussions about HIV/AIDS, find out if social workers assist clients in accessinghealthcareservices, find out if social workers implement targeted prevention programs aimedat high-riskgroups. The sample size of this study is 180 respondent which will be selected randomlyamongUBTH employe and patience. Frequency and percentage and table was used to calculateandpresent the data. The finding showed that social worker has a signfiacnt impact incurbingthespread of HIV in University of Benin. It was discovered that social workers conduct educationalprograms that inform communities about HIV transmission, prevention methods, andavailabletreatment options in the university of Benin, and this educational programme has helptoincreasethe level of awareness of the HIV prevention. Social workers had help to curb theissueofHIV/AID BY offering counseling to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their familiesintheuniversity of Benin. In the university of Benin, social workers engaged members indiscussionsabout HIV/AIDS in the university of Benin which has been a means of creating more awarenessand has help to reduced the spread of this virus in the environment. The study revealedthat socialworkers in the university of Benin assist clients in accessing healthcare services in the universityof Benin. And also social workers implement targeted prevention programs aimedat high-riskgroups in the university of Benin. The study recommend that Nigeria government shouldputmore effort by organizing a educating program which will help to create more awarenessintherural and some part of urban area

This study examined Family Support and Manaaging Mental Health disorders among Individuals with Mental Disorders in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The main objective was to assess the role of family support in managing individuals with mental disorders. Specifically, the study explored the level of family support available, the relationship between family involvement and mental health outcomes, the barriers and facilitators to such support, and the roles of social work professionals in enhancing mental health care. A mixed-method research design was employed, comprising quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative aspect involved 398 respondents who completed structured questionnaires analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, while the qualitative aspect included 10 participants which comprised patients, relatives, and social workers were interviewed using a semi-structured guide and analyzed narratively. Findings revealed a high level of family support characterized by emotional encouragement, financial assistance, and treatment adherence. A positive relationship was established between family involvement and improved mental health outcomes, such as faster recovery and reduced relapse rates. However, barriers including stigma, financial hardship, and cultural misconceptions limited family participation, while social workers were found to play key roles in psycho-education, counseling, and advocacy to enhance family engagement. The study concluded that family support remains a crucial component of effective mental health care, as strong family involvement improves treatment adherence and recovery outcomes. It recommended sustained family psycho-education, family-centered treatment approaches, financial support initiatives, public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, and the strengthening of social work services for holistic mental health care in Egor LGA and beyond.

This study hindered impact of shame on pursuing foolish well-being support in Egor Community. This study selected the ration numerical finish for the reasoning of file calm concurrently with an activity survey management of the questionnaire. The results revealed that shame considerably frightens foolish strength help-pursuing in Egor, emphasizing the need for public knowledge, direction, and concerning the prosperity of mankind impressionable invasions; deep-rooted educational plans and impressions in Egor fuel insane health shame and negative managing, making essential target instruction and date following society commanders; shame in Egor two together deters care and decays mental strength, lacking society-affected shame-decline exertions through instruction and local alliances and social work invasions are visualized as
essential for threatening insane energy shame in Egor, following support for with regard to the welfare of mankind-experienced, multi-level game plans involving reach, education, and tactics correct. The study supported that the municipality bear start maintained foolish appropriateness awareness campaigns in the Egor organization to challenge shame, disprove imaginations, and classification as being model help-pursuing behaviour. Community public peasants bear extend foolish energy instruction programs custom-made to the local framework, bestowing conscientious beliefs, feelings, and settled explanations of
emotional disorder. Community-located interferences acknowledge chance be stimulate through social service drives to a degree peer support groups, school-located foolish substance programs, and blood relative counseling burdens to increase approach and society trouble. Integration of foolish health information into schools and arrangings
endure meet to form mental strength instruction programs into schools and society arrangements to support early knowledge and defeat intergenerational shame. Social Workers should grant permission to lead a doubled approach focus individual, blood relative, society, and bland levels to guarantee reasonable insane happiness support orders. Regularly assess the influence of shame-decline and foolish substance invasions to guide betterings and command evidence-located strategies judgments.