Family Variables as Predictors of Self-Concept and Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Benue State, Nigeria

Eucharia Nchedo Aye,Theresa Olunwa Oforka,Ngozi Hope Chinweuba,Nkiru Christiana Ohia,Julia Amobi Onumonu,Immaculata Nwakaego Akaneme,Celestine Okwudili Eze,Richard Agbangwu,Ngozi Eucharia Eze

doi:10.5539/gjhs.v11n8p86

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated family variables as predictors of self-concept and academic achievement of secondary school students in Benue state, Nigeria.  &nbsp; &nbsp;   METHODS: The study adopted a correlational research design. The sample of the study consisted of seven hundred and twenty (720) SS II students. The study research questions were analyzed using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, while the hypotheses were tested using regression analysis at 0.05 probability level.  RESULTS: The findings revealed a strong positive relationship among family structure, self-concept and academic achievement of secondary schools students. It also revealed that family leadership style like Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive and Neglectful family leadership style had a strong relationship on secondary school students, self-concept and academic achievement. Again, it was discovered that family size had a strong relationship on secondary school students&rsquo; self-concept and academic achievement in Benue state, Nigeria.  CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there exists a strong relationship between family structure and self-concept of secondary school students; family structure predicts students&rsquo; academic achievements; family size has a low positive relationship with self-concept of secondary school students; low relationship with student&#39;s academic achievement; there is a positive relationship between family leadership styles and self-concept of secondary school students.

Highlights

In this era of globalization and technological advancement, education is considered as the first step for every human activity in any society
It revealed that family leadership style like Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive and Neglectful family leadership style had a strong relationship on secondary school students, self-concept and academic achievement
It is concluded that there exists a strong relationship between family structure and self-concept of secondary school students; family structure predicts students’ academic achievements; family size has a low positive relationship with self-concept of secondary school students; low relationship with student's academic achievement; there is a positive relationship between family leadership styles and self-concept of secondary school students

Summary

Introduction

In this era of globalization and technological advancement, education is considered as the first step for every human activity in any society. Is a fundamental unit in the society and the first pot of call for every child where educational and moral training of children take place. It is an institution that has the capacity to make or mar children's self-concept and academic achievement. This is because the family socializes its members to internalize the values, norms, beliefs, morals and ethics and cultural heritage of the society before going to formal school. Ugwanyi (2011) noted that it is within the family that most children first learn how to behave in socially acceptable ways, to develop close emotional ties and to internalize the values and norms of the society. The author believes that experiences within the family help to shape the personality of individuals, which in turn helps to produce a society of individuals who share in the pattern of larger culture

Results

Discussion

Conclusion