Female Students’ Dependency on Horoscope Prediction for Intimate Relationships and the Problem of Friendship Compatibility Management in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined female students’ dependency on horoscope prediction for intimate relationships and the problem of friendship compatibility management in Nigeria. Two research questions were raised in the study. The study adopted a quantitative and qualitative survey. The target population comprised students enrolled in public universities across Nigeria. A sample of 600 undergraduate female participants was drawn from three selected institutions: University of Benin, Benin-Edo State; Delta State University, Abraka-Delta State; and University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants from various institutions. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled the “Dependency on Horoscope Prediction for Intimate Relationships Questionnaire (DHPIRQ).” All questionnaires distributed were successfully retrieved and utilized for subsequent data analysis. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to provide answers to the research questions while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The finding shows that for female students in Nigeria, horoscope predictions serve as a tool for decision-making in intimate relationships and managing friendship compatibility. In conclusion, Female university students in Nigeria rely on horoscope predictions to guide their intimate relationships, which can lead to unrealistic expectations, miscommunication and relationship dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, problems arise when managing friendships due to differences in values, interests, personality and communication leading to conflict, misunderstanding and strained relationships. The study therefore recommended that educational stakeholders such as government, policy-makers, educational institutions, counsellors, teachers and parents should educate female students about the potential pitfalls of relying on horoscope predictions.