Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examining the influence of self-esteem on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 340 respondents was selected. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling technique were used to select the 301 form three student, 13 heads of curriculum, 13 deputy head-teachers and 13 heads of guidance and counseling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Descriptive statistics (such as frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (such as Chi-square test) techniques were used to analyze data. The study found that self-esteem has no significant influence on students’ academic performance in secondary schools (Chi-square=13.92, df=8, sig(p-value)=0.084).This implies that low or high self-esteem does not influence student’s academic performance. The study recommends the need to build self-esteem among students. This will guarantee good academic performance in secondary schools. Moreover, the study recommends the need for school administration to focus on academic activities that are geared towards improving academic performance in secondary schools. It is anticipated that the findings of the current study will provide necessary information useful to the policy makers, academician, students, teachers, school administration and other stakeholders to enhance academic performance of students in secondary schools in Kenya. KEY WORDS: Academic performance; Low grades; Quality grades; Self-esteem; Students DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-2-18
Highlights
Background to the Study Self-esteem is a life skill that is highly embraced by all societies at all stages of development
The results show that there was no significant influence of self–esteem on students’ academic performance, Chisquare value = 13.92, df=8 and Sig (P-value)= 0.084 at 5% significant level
The study found that self-esteem had insignificant influence on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. This indicates that high self-esteem does not necessarily influence students’ academic performance in secondary school
Summary
Background to the Study Self-esteem is a life skill that is highly embraced by all societies at all stages of development It is the process by which individuals rate themselves, acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them participate effectively in the society. According to Kholode (2009), self-esteem education somehow determines the level of prosperity, welfare and security of people. It is the cornerstone of economic, social development and a principle means of improving the welfare of individuals. In his study on the influence of self- esteem on the study habits of students in America, Miller (2002) points out that, high school learners need to accept and value themselves to do well in their academic work. It causes psychological suffering to parents if they have to pay more money to take their children to other schools
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