GENDER DIFFERENCE IN COPING STRATEGIES AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ZARIA METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study examined gender difference in coping strategies and academic achievement among secondary school students in Zaria metropolis Kaduna state, Nigeria. Two objectives were formulated for the study. A survey research design was used with a population of the study comprising of all SS 3 students from senior secondary schools in Zaria metropolis totaling 9,249 out of which a sample of 250 were drawn based on the recommendation of Research Advisors (.2006). A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting the sample of the study. Instrument used for data collection was self-developed Coping Strategies Inventory while Mathematics and English MOCK Examination results for 2022/2023 academic session was the measure of Academic Achievement. An inferential statistic of t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 levels of Significance. Findings revealed that no significant difference exists between coping strategies of male and female SS 3 students in Zaria metropolis, t= .885, and p = .379. The study also found that no significant difference in academic achievement of male and female SS 3 students in Zaria metropolis, t = -.122 and p = .903. It was recommended that Psychologists and counsellors should educate students on the different coping strategies irrespective of gender. Learning should be made interesting and engaging to both male and female students to give room for a healthy competition which would enhance a greater academic achievement for both gender.