Revalidating Predictors of Deviant Behavior of Students in Malpractice: The Role of Social Workers-University Partnership in Non-Western Cultures

Abstract

Deviant behavior, while often viewed negatively, plays a crucial role in society. It reinforces norms, clarifies moral boundaries, and can even lead to positive social change. The deviant behavior of students has become a grave concern for universities across the world. Existing studies on factors contributing to deviant behavior has been mostly limited to individual and family-based predictors in developed countries. Few studies have examined the ‘cross-over’ students’ experiences of deviant behavior. This study addressed these limitations, it explores how students perceive self-experience of malpractice within the university settings and social workers-university partnership in the reduction of deviant behavior in non-Western cultures. Surveys were administered to 120 undergraduate students (65% female, 92% Christian) age 17 to 25, studying allied health science courses and affiliated degree programmes. The results revealed that examination malpractice and cheating have a positive influence on deviant behavior of students’ experiences in the University. Specifically, findings indicated student-related factors like desire for good grades, pressure to succeed and lack of preparation as well as fear of failure contributed to deviant behavior of students in malpractice. Regarding the study recommendations, we shared our thoughts as licensed and practicing social workers on the urgent needs for proper students counselling and social workers-university partnership in the reduction students’ deviant behavior. Implications for future research are discussed.