RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PARENTING STYLES, SOCIAL DEFECTS AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF ADOLESCENTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABIA SOUTH SENATORIAL ZONE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship among parenting styles, social defects and academic achievement of adolescents in senior secondary schools in Abia South Senatorial Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. Correlational research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised of 96,913 students and simple random sampling technique was used to select 375 students. The instruments used for data collection in this study are; Parenting Style Scale, Students Social Defects Questionnaire and Academic Achievement Proforma Sheet. The instruments were validated by experts in the field of Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instruments was determined using Cronbach Alpha which yielded .74 and .68 for the PSS and SSDQ. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) to test the hypotheses. The results of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between authoritarian, authoritative parenting style and students’ academic achievement. The results further indicated that there was a significant negative relationship between delinquent, aggressive behaviour and students’ academic achievement. The study concluded that there is an association between parenting style, social defects and students’ achievement. It is recommended that parents should support their children through positive ways to help develop their academic and social life.