| 1 |
Author(s):
Philip, O. P., Ochonma, J.U., Onyemaechi,C.I.
Page No : 1-21
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Insecurity and National Development: The Cognitive Dissonance Arising from the Media’s Contradictory Roles
Abstract
Irrespective of how journalism and media reports are structured, truth, objectivity, and accuracy are expected to remain the cornerstone, as media reports have the power to make, mar, incite, and pacify. This paper, therefore, examines the conflicting roles the media play due to factors such as media ownership, the proliferation of media houses with differing ideologies, and citizen journalism, all of which affect objective reporting and lead to conflicting information. It also considers how these conflicting reports impact human psychology, resulting in psychological stress, while emphasizing that such media anomalies are not confined to a specific area, as they extend into sensitive matters such as national security. These conflicts further shape public perception of the media’s involvement in addressing insecurity and fostering national development. The study also highlights how insecurity has increasingly become a significant barrier to development in many nations, including Nigeria, where political instability, economic fluctuations, and social fragmentation heighten the influence of media messages. As the media shifts between acting as a watchdog of society and, at other times, serving as a channel through which misinformation unintentionally spreads, audiences are frequently confronted with cognitive dissonance caused by contradictory narratives about insecurity, governance, and development. This psychological tension affects how individuals interpret issues, respond to government strategies, and form opinions about national development initiatives. By interrogating these dimensions, the paper underscores the urgent need for ethical and responsible journalism, improved media literacy, and a more coherent information ecosystem that can support national development and reduce the psychological stress associated with contradictory media messages.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Nwankwo, E. N., Philip, O.P..
Page No : 22-55
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ORGANIZATIONAL BASED SELF-ESTEEM AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE AS PREDICTOR OF WORK PLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Abstract
The study investigated perceived organizational based self-esteem and work-life balance as predictor of work place sexual harassment. A total number of two hundred and seven staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka served as participants for the study. They were selected through systematic and convenience sampling techniques. The participants were made up of ninety (90) males and one hundred and seventeen (117) females. Their age ranges from 18-62 years and their mean age was 39.1 and Standard deviation of 19.55 years. Three standardized instruments were used in the study; Organizational based self-esteem scale (OBSE) (Pierce, Gardner, Cummings, & Dunham, 1989). Work life balance scale (WLB) (Brough et al.,2014), and Sexual harassment inventory (Murdoch & McGovern,1998). Result indicated that organization based self-esteem significantly predicted sexual harassment among workers (β = 3.93, F (1, 206) = 1.24, p < .05), while work life balance also significantly predicted sexual harassment among workers (β = 2.22, F (1, 206) = 2.56, p < .05). Meanwhile, there was no joint effect of organization based esteem and work life balance on sexual harassment. Organizations should set up an investigative panel towards reports of sexual harassment whenever a supposed victim reports an experience. Meanwhile, they should not be ignored. Furthermore, employees should also as well report cases of personal dealings with forceful sexual advances from supervisors, or co-workers to the appropriate authorities in or outside of the organization.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Nwegbu C. S., Obikeze N. J..
Page No : 56-83
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ACADEMIC STRESS AND POST-TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE AS PREDICTORS OF ALCOHOL CRAVING AND DISPLACED AGGRESSION AMONG UNDERGRADUATESSTUDENTS OF CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY, IGBARIAM CAMPUS.
Abstract
This study examined the predictive roles of academic stress and post-traumatic experiences in the development of alcohol craving and displaced aggression among undergraduate students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Using a correlational research design, 300 participants were randomly selected to complete standardized instruments including the Academic Stress Scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Scale, Mini Alcohol Craving Experience Scale, and the Displaced Aggression Questionnaire. Regression analysis and mediation testing via the Sobel test were used to determine the predictive strength of academic stress and trauma on maladaptive behaviours. Findings revealed that both academic stress and post-traumatic experiences significantly predicted alcohol craving and displaced aggression. These results suggest that unresolved stressors in university settings may lead to dysfunctional coping mechanisms. This paper discusses the implications for counselling psychology practice, including the importance of trauma-informed counselling, stress management interventions, and the integration of mental health services in academic institutions. Recommendations include the development of structured interventions targeting stress and trauma among undergraduates. The study underscores the necessity for further research on moderating variables that might buffer or exacerbate these psychological outcomes.