Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

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Vol 17 (2024)

Table of Contents

1. Research Article
   

   Role of Trauma Exposure, Psychological Inflexibility and Self Compassion in Substance Use Among Adolescent Students	PDF
   Beluonwu Ifeoma Margret, Favour C. Uroko

   No research in Nigeria has empirically explored the correlation between self-compassion and well-being in adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether self-compassion yields similar mental health advantages in adolescents as observed in older populations. The hypothesis posited that self-compassionate adolescents would exhibit enhanced social connectedness and reduced levels of anxiety and depression, aligning with previous findings in adults. The study's objectives were to assess whether: (1) Trauma exposure significantly contributes to substance use among adolescents; (2) Psychological inflexibility plays a significant role in adolescent substance use; (3) Self-compassion significantly influences substance use among adolescents. The study included 370 senior and junior secondary school students, comprising 155 (41.9%) males and 215 (58.1%) females. Four instruments were utilized: the Harvard Trauma questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Psychoactive Substance Use Questionnaire. Employing a cross-sectional design, the findings indicated that trauma exposure positively predicted substance use, suggesting a correlation between increased trauma exposure and heightened substance use. Additionally, psychological inflexibility positively predicted substance use, indicating that elevated psychological inflexibility corresponded to increased substance use. However, self-compassion did not emerge as a significant predictor of substance use.

2. Research Article
   

   Addressing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Related Risks in Ghana From the Perspective of Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education	PDF
   Sharon Donnir, Kingsley Tornyeva

   This paper presents on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks in Ghana and leveraging on the sustainability development goal 4 – quality education to address them. Ghana is currently battling with ESG related risks such as illegal mining, unemployment, corruption which are critical and demands this current study. The aim of the study is to explore sustainable educational related measures to address ESG risks such as illegal mining, unemployment, sanitation and waste management challenges, corruption among others. The study adopted the qualitative research approach, and employed case study with thematic or content analysis for the data analysis. Data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews. The study concluded that, the critical ESG related challenges faced in Ghana, can be addressed from the SDG 4 – quality education perspective. However, the current standard of education in Ghana lacks the required capacity to address the challenges and therefore the need to reposition the current standard of education by investing more in the achievement of the SDG 4.

3. Research Article
   

   Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a Developing Nation: The Case of South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia	PDF
   Girma Shimelis Muluneh

   This study investigated the challenges in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South Gondar, Ethiopia, utilizing a concurrent mixed methods design. Data collection involved closed-ended questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis with 176 participants. Quantitative analysis employed one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical linear regression, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings revealed a 'moderate' implementation of SDGs policies, with variations among institutions. Major challenges identified included unrealistic goal setting, lack of political commitment, insufficient participation, absence of clear policy guidance, lack of synergy, limited capability, and an imbalanced focus on one development pillar. Correlation tests highlighted significant positive relationships between institutional challenges and SDGs implementation. Hierarchical linear regression indicated the significant positive impact of goal difficulty on SDGs implementation, with goal participative, goal specificity, and goal commitment also influencing implementation. The study recommends the government to establish realistic and participatory policy goals for effective implementation.