SINGLE PARENTING AND ADOLESCENTS BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN VIHIGA SUB-COUNTY, VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Some adolescents from single parent families have been found to engage in anti-social behaviour such as; drug abuse, substance abuse, prostitution, truance, school dropouts and early pregnancies in girls among others. The purpose of this study was to investigate single parenting and behavior of adolescents in public schools in Vihiga Sub-County. The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the prevalence of students from single parent families in public secondary schools in Vihiga Sub County? How socio-economic status of Single Parent (SP) families influence the behavior of adolescents in public secondary schools in Vihiga Sub-County? In what ways parenting styles in SP families affect the behavior of adolescents in public secondary schools in Vihiga Sub-County? In what ways can adolescents from SP families be supportd to live the desired behavior. The study targeted a population of 385 teachers and 1145 students. Simple random sampling was used to sample secondary schools and students. Purposive sampling was used to sample teacher-counselors and deputy principals. The study employed a mixed method, that is; descriptive survey and phenomenology. The researcher used questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis to collect data. The validity and reliability of instruments was determined through Pilot testing. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS) version 22.0 and presented using frequencies, graphs, tables and percentages. Qualitative data was obtained, analyzed and presented in a narrative form. The study established that the number of adolescents born and raised by single mother headed families were more than those headed by father only. The findings showed that the behavior problems experienced by some adolescent students were as a result poor socio-economic status of the existing parent. Parenting styles also contributed to the behavior of some of the adolescents from SP families. The study recommended adolescents from SP families be fully supported by various stakeholders to show acceptance and sense of belonging. The study also recommended that single parents be educated through SP forums on the best way to nurture and parent their adolescent children for character formation. The school administration to undertake periodic campaigns to sensitize students on antisocial behavior.