Abstract

Abusive relationships among college and polytechnic students can yield severe consequences, necessitating an exploration of contributing factors. This study aimed to investigate the impact of gender, childhood trauma, family structure, and parental deprivation on abusive relationships within this demographic in Oyo State, Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey research design, 300 participants were selected from three tertiary institutions in Ibadan using stratified random sampling. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale gauged abusive relationships, supplemented by queries on socio-demographics and potential risk factors. Results revealed significant associations between gender, childhood maltreatment, and parental deprivation with an elevated risk of abusive behavior in college and polytechnic relationships. Students from polygamous families exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating abusive behavior compared to those from functional families. Additionally, students with emotionally distant or absent parents were prone to engaging in risky or abusive behaviors in romantic relationships. These findings underscore the urgency of interventions targeting abusive behavior in this demographic, advocating for educational programs, awareness initiatives, and support structures for those affected by abuse.

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