T.B.E Omorogiuwa

This study examined the ef ects of household poverty on the psychosocial well-beingof childrenin Egor Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. The research was necessitatedbythegrowing concern that despite educational reforms like EdoBEST, the "internalized" reality of economic hardship continues to hinder the developmental trajectory of children inperi-urbanareas. Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevalence of multidimensional poverty, assess the extent of psychosocial well-being, analyze internalizing behaviors, and identify the coping mechanisms adopted by these children. Theoretically, the study was anchoredon Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Toxic Stress Framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, utilizing a sample size of 200 respondents comprisingparents and children aged 13–17 selected through simple random sampling across wards in Egor LGA. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, and descriptive scholarly interpretation. Findings revealed a high prevalence of multi dimensional poverty, significantly exacerbated by recent macro economic shocks such as inflation and fuel subsidy removal. The results indicated profound "psychosocialerosion," characterized by a sense of inferiority, chronic anxiety, and somatization. Furthermore,the study identified a "Labor-Play Imbalance," where significant majority of children engaged in street hawking as a primary coping mechanism, leading to social competence deficits. The study concluded that poverty in Egor LGA has transcended material lack to become a "developmentalpathogen" that rewires children's emotional architecture. Consequently, it was recommended that the Edo State Government integrate trauma-informed psychosocial support services into the school system, implement "Cash Plus" social safety nets, and establish community-based safeplay zones to mitigate the long-term impact of economic trauma on the next generation

his study sought the Correlates of Broken Homes and the Undergraduate Students Academic Performance in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The major institution for humans is the family, also known as the household or home. Using a survey research method approach, this study investigates the major causes of broken homes among undergraduate students in the university of Benin, challenges they faced, coping strategies they employ to deal with the challenges and the institutional establishments available to help them. The findings of this study reveal that divorce or separation and prolonged parental absence are the major causes of broken homes. It also found that while both students from broken and intact homes face challenges, it is often more intense on those from broken homes. A majority ofthe respondents indicated that participating in study groups with their peers has helped them cope with some of the challenges. The study also found that institutional establishments are in place to help the students to cope with their challenges, although some are unaware of them. The study recommends that better programs should be established to help the students and also awareness programs to inform them the availability ofthe programs in the University of Benin. The study contributes to the literature on the impact of family structure on academic outcomes.