Conflict Resolution in Homes and Its’ Implications for Adolescents

A Study of Adolescents’ Moral Behaviour in Selected Secondary Schools, Oluyole, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

Conflict resolution is an essential aspect of family living for developing assertive moral
behaviour in children, especially adolescents. Adolescents can develop disputes with their
parents due to unconscious opposition between incompatible desires, needs, drives, or impulses.
The adolescents navigate between disputes and resolve conflicts with their parents or within
themselves. Unresolved conflicts can make adolescents swing in moral judgement, which may
make them develop bad morals towards peaceful relationships with their environment. The
research examined the longitudinal effects of adolescents’ constant exposure to interparental
conflict and the impact on their moral behaviour. Therefore, the paper proffers solutions on how
adolescents can cope with conflicts to develop morally. The research was conducted in three
selected private schools in Oluyole Extension of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. The choice of adolescents from Oluyole Extension is due to the geographical location and
accessibility to the writer. Thirty-six students were randomly selected from three schools
comprising boys and girls aged 13-17 years who were already in the Senior Secondary class
(S.S. 1-3). Quantitative proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to
select sample respondents, and information was collected through questionnaires. The findings
disclosed a significant relationship between family conflict and adolescent moral behaviour. The
majority (88.9%) of the respondents reported that their parents quarrel once in a while. A
significant number of respondents (66.1%) often pick up quarrels with their parents, while 27.8%
said they behaved like their parents. Also, 52.8% of the respondents claimed they love peace to
reign within them and their parents.