This present study investigated gender differences, peer pressure and parenting styles
as predictors of criminal intent among selected secondary school students in Guma,
TBenue State and adopted the cross-sectional survey design. The simple random
sampling was unitized in the administration of two hundred and seventy one (271) students
with their demographic characteristics showing (Male = 194 (71.6%), and (Female = 77
(28.4%). Age ranged between 11 and 17 with Mean age of 14.1, (SD= 1.8). Participants'
responded to (3) standardized self-report questionnaires. Data were analysed using
descriptive and inferential statistics. On the whole, four hypotheses were formulated and
inferentially tested at 0.05 level of significant. Participants' responses were analysed using
independent t-test, simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Results showed no
significant difference between male and female on criminal intent behaviours, [t (269) =
1.051; p = .294]. This means that there is no significant difference in criminal intent between
males and females student in the data set. Also, peer pressure did not predict criminal intent
[R=.007, R =.006, F[1,269]=.015, p>0.05]. This implies that peer pressure does not appear to
be a significant predictor of criminal intent. Further research is needed to investigate other
potential predictors and explore the complex factors that contribute to criminal intent.
However, result revealed that parenting styles (permissive, authoritarian and authoritative)
jointly predicted criminal intent [R = 415; R2 = .173; F (3, 267) = 18.556; p < 0.05]. This
implies that the secondary school students raised in these parenting environments might be
more likely to develop criminal intent patterns. Lastly, result revealed that gender differences,
peer pressure and parenting styles (permissive, authoritarian and authoritative) jointly
predicted criminal intent [R = 429; R = .184; F (5, 265) = 11.962; p < 0.05]. The findings
means that both permissive and authoritarian parenting styles significantly predict higher
levels of criminal intent among secondary school students in Guma Local Government Area, while peer pressure emerges as a strong
predictor as well. Gender does not appear to play a significant role in influencing these outcomes within this context. This findings
recommended the importance of guidance and counselling for parents and adolescents, to help them cope with life challenges and to build their social and emotional skills, as well
as the necessity of appointing school psychologists and public health experts to help the secondary school adolescent become
valuable individuals. Also the adolescent should be guided in making good friends to reduce peer pressure resulting from keeping bad friends.

Key words: Gender Differences, Peer Pressure and Parenting Styles, Criminal Intent