Exploring the Relationship between Delinquency Patterns and Academic Performance of Undergraduates’ Students in Rivers State University: Implication for Counselling

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between delinquency patterns and the academic performance of undergraduate students at Rivers State University. The research specifically explored the implications for counseling. Guided by three research objectives and three research questions, the study employed a correlational survey research design. The target population consisted of 15,340 final year students from all faculties within Rivers State University. A sample size of 415 students was determined using the Taro Yamane formula , and a proportionate stratified sampling technique was utilized to select students from various faculties. Data were collected using two structured questionnaires: the “Students’ Delinquency Patterns Questionnaire†and the “Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire. The reliability of these instruments was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha method, yielding coefficients of 0.82 for delinquency patterns and 0.91 for academic performance, with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.87 for the entire questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) to address the research questions. The findings revealed significant negative relationships between specific delinquency patterns and academic performance. A high negative correlation (r=−0.89) was found between drug abuse and academic performance among others. Based on these findings, the study recommended, among other things, education and support programs for families to build positive and supportive relationships with their children and provide guidance to help them overcome academic challenges.