AN ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Osagie Lucky Omoruyi, PhD, Charity Agho Adesuwa

Abstract


Mental health disorder has been topical issue for decades. It is an important determinant of individual’s personality formation and behavioural balance. This study assessed mental health disorder and its association to criminal or violent behaviour among university undergraduate students. The study adopted survey cross-sectional research design, also known as one-shot or status studies which was based on the number of contacts. The total population of the study was 480 students across four (4) departments within the faculty of Social Sciences in the University Benin main campus. The sample size was derived using the Taro Yamane sample size formula and the sample size derived was 218 students. The structured questionnaire was used to generate the primary data. The data were presented using tables with frequency and percentage. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study discovered that there is a significant link between mental health and crime commission. The study’s findings also revealed individual with serious depressive disorder and other mental health issues has increased probability of engaging in crime and can also victimized themselves. The study therefore recommends among others that the rehabilitation and intervention for individuals with mental health disorder should quick and swift and should the priority of government, the victim’s family and all stakeholders.


Keywords


Mental Health, Violent Behaviour, Students, Crime, Depression

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