MOTIVATION, ATTRIBUTION AND PERCEPTION OF STREET LIFE AMONG CHILDREN FROM AGE 8 TO 18 YEARS IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Purpose: This study was aimed at examining the influence of motivation, attribution in terms of peer relation and parental socio-economic status on perception of street life among children from age 8 to 18 years in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.. Methodology: The study was based on two main objectives meant to determine the extent to which peer relationship, parental socio-economic influence status age 8 to 18 years in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey design was used in the study. Two hundred (200) undergraduate students were selected for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire in form of interview constructed by the researcher. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through Cronbach Alpha reliability which give .75 and .77. Independent t-test was used as a statistical tool for data analysis. Each of the hypotheses was tested at .05 level off significance using SPSS Version 22. Findings: The findings revealed that peer relationship and parental social-economic status significantly influence perception off street life among children from age 8 to 18 years in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Unique Contribution to theory and practice: The study was recommended amongst others that parents of low social-economic status should be empowered to enable them provide basic needs for their children. Thus, reduces the number of street children in the society.