Abstract

This study examines morality and social influence as predictors of littering behaviour in Ilorin metropolis. A cross-section of two hundred and fifty respondents (101 males and 149 males), participated in the study. Their age ranged from 15 to 60 years. Respondents completed a questionnaire pack which included-the Littering Prevention Behaviour Scale (LPBS); the Perceived Social Influence Scale (PSIS); and the Morality Scale (MS). The results revealed a significant positive relationship between littering behaviour and age (r=.163, p<.05), gender (r=.148, p<.05), morality and littering behaviour (r=.146 p<.05). Also, results of multiple regression analysis indicated that age, gender, marital status, level of education, income, social influence and moral development have significant joint prediction on littering behaviour among participants [R=.291; R²=.085; F(8,238), t=-10.40, p<.05]. However, there is independent prediction of education on littering behaviour among the sampled respondents [t = 1.96, p < .05, β = .122]. Morality development does significantly predict littering behaviour among the participants [t = -.137 p <.05, β = -.032]. Social influence does not significantly predict littering behaviour [t = 1.04, p>.05, β = -.066]. It was found that gender have a significant influence on littering behaviour [t (2.359) =247; P<.05]. Implications of the findings were discussed, pointing toward the need to replicate the study with larger sample size from multiple backgrounds to ensure generalizability of the findings. The study recommends that public enlightenment through mass media should be used to educate people on the hazards related to unhealthy refuse disposal pattern and government to also formulate policy that will encourage morals and hygienic behaviours that will encourage littering prevention.

Key Words: Morality, Social Influence, Littering Behaviour, Ilorin

DOI: https://ejesm.org/doi/v12i4.7