Relationship Between Stressful Life Event and Perception of Air Pollution in Rivers State

This study examined the relationship between stressful life event and perception of air pollution (i.e we think that our own immediate geographical area is less or more polluted than adjacent areas,). This study adopted correlation research design. Three research questions and three corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 600 residents in Rivers State. A sample of 200 persons was selected using convenience sampling technique. The instruments for data collection were titled: “Perception of Air Pollution Assessment Inventory (PAPAI) and “Perception of Stressful Life Events Questionnaire (PSLEQ) “. The instruments were validated by two experts in Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instruments was determined using Cronbach alpha reliability method. The instruments yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.81 for PAPAI and 0.71 for PSLE. Simple regression was used to answer the research questions, while ANOVA associated with regression was used to tests the corresponding null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study showed that perceived air pollution has a significant independent relation on perception of stressful life events among male residents in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers Slate. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the state government should increase monitoring of air pollution so as to identify major source of pollution and control them, oil companies should be fined and possible closed down if there continue with gas flaring. This would likely reduce the tendency to damage the environment.