Effects of family type (monogamy or polygamy) on students' academic achievement in Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of inter-relationship between family type and academic achievement of students. A Correlational survey research was adopted for the study with a total of 300 respondents. Analysis of the data indicated that significant relationship exists between academic achievement, family type and students’ academic motivation (r=0.26: P<0.005). Also, a significant relationship existed in the overall academic achievement of students from monogamous families and those from polygamous families (T-cal=3.48; P<0.005). However, sex did not significantly affect academic achievement of students from monogamy and polygamy background. Though, the males tend to achieve slightly better than the females with mean of 36.26. Outcome of this finding posited that counselors should provide the necessary assistance and psychological support for students from polygamous family to overcome poor academic achievement. Key words: Monogamous homes, polygamous homes and students’ academic achievement.