SOCIAL MEDIA AND COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT AS PREDICTORS TO DRUG ABUSE AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN FCT ABUJA, NIGERIA: COUNSELLING IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study examined social media usage and cognitive engagement as predictors of drug abuse among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A correlational survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 376 randomly selected female students across the University of Abuja, FCT College of Education Zuba, and Baze University. Three standardized instruments namely, the Social Media Usage Scale, Cognitive Engagement Inventory, and Drug Abuse Scale were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression. Results showed a significant positive relationship between social media usage and drug abuse (r = 0.612, p < 0.05), and a significant negative relationship between cognitive engagement and drug abuse (r = –0.487, p < 0.05). The combined analysis revealed that both variables jointly and significantly predicted drug abuse (R² = 0.454, F (2,373) = 116.48, p < 0.05). The study concludes that excessive social media use increases drug abuse tendencies, while cognitive engagement serves as a protective factor. It recommends promoting responsible social media use and enhancing students’ cognitive engagement to curb drug abuse among female undergraduates in FCT, Abuja.