Perception of Alcohol Consumption Risk and Adolescents School Adaptation

MALIEDJE NGAINSEU Elsa Maelle

Abstract

In Cameroon, alcohol consumption seems to be increasing in schools, while the failure rate in school exams remains alarming.  Thus, we wondered about the link that could possibly exist between the perception of the risk of alcohol consumption and the school adjustment problems that adolescents encounter. This is the objective of this study. The problem addressed here is that of knowing how school adolescents perceive the risk of alcohol consumption in relation to school adjustment. The main question of this study is therefore the following: does the perception of alcohol risk influence the school adaptation of adolescents? By listing certain psychological behaviors of adolescents such as the taste for risk, the quest for independence, impulsivity, and hypersensitivity, adolescents often have a perception of invulnerability, believing that they are less likely to suffer the negative consequences of their actions. It is therefore crucial to understand how adolescents perceive the risks associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances and how this perception influences their behavior and academic success. To answer these questions, we based this work on socio-cognitive theory and the theory of self-esteem. Methodologically, we used classic investigation tools, notably the questionnaire. The study population is made up of school-aged adolescents who enter the age group of 12 to 20 years old, divided into second, first and final-year classes. Data analysis was done based on the Pearson chi-square test and the logistic regression model. The results we obtained show that the consumption of psychoactive substances influences the school adaptation of adolescents. We also note the deterioration of health as a consequence of the consumption of these toxic substances.  These substances, when they affect the health of the adolescent, therefore reduce the probability of enjoying going to school. In fact, if we combine appropriate educational, family, health and social interventions, it is possible to promote optimal school adaptation among adolescents and prevent risky behaviors that could compromise their educational success.

Keywords

perception; alcohol; consumption; risk; adolescents; school adaptation.

Cite This Article

Maelle, M. N. E. (2024). Perception of Alcohol Consumption Risk and Adolescents School Adaptation. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 5| Issue 4: Jul-Aug 2024, Pages 706-712, URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Volume5-Issue4-Jul-Aug-No.638-706-712.pdf

Volume 5 | Issue 4: Jul-Aug 2024