Motivational Factors Influencing Female Undergraduate Students’ Pattern of Dressing: A Case Study of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The study investigated the motivational factors influencing female
undergraduate students’ pattern of dressing in the University of Nigerian
Nsukka. Specifically, it identified the sociological; psychological and
physical motives underlying the dressing patterns of the students.
Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population for the
study was 22895 female undergraduate students. Stratified random
sampling techniques were adopted to select six Departments and 50 female
students from the six departments. Thes gave a total sample size of 300
female undergraduate students. Questionnaire was used for data
collection. The reliability was determined using Cronbach Alpha (α)
coefficient score of 0.83 was obtained. The data were analyzed using mean
and standard deviation. Finds reveal 14 sociological motives that underly
the dressing pattern of the students. These include, to: draw attention of
rich males in parties/clubs, appear younger in age, exhibit greatness, meet
the pressure of fashion trend and among others. There also seven
psychological motives. These include, to: please self, influence others,
camouflage personal flaws, satisfy peer members and, others. Other
findings are seven physical motives which include to: be admired by
males, show body shapes, look good and attractive, appear more beautiful,
and others. Based on the findings five recommendations were made,
includeing that Nigerian universities should have dress code for female
undergraduate students, among others.