Self- perceived academic and psycho-social effects of domestic abuse on the junior high school child in the moree community

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the self- perceived academic, psychological and social effects of domestic abuse on the junior high school child in the Moree community. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was junior high school students in the Moree community. The total population was 750 made up of 350 males and 400 females. A sample of 510 was used by employing a complete enumeration as against a sample selection. The instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire for students. The questionnaire comprised 46 close-ended items. The researcher’s supervisors validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.74. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, Pearson product moment of correlation coefficient and the independent samples t-test. All tests were conducted at 0.05 significance levels. The findings showed that wetting of bed, feeling of insecurity and wanting to join a group that are rowdy were self-perceived academic and psycho-social effects of domestic abuse on junior high school children in the Moree community. The results of the study also revealed that fathers, uncles and mothers were the leading perpetrators of domestic abuse on junior high school children. It was recommended that teachers and professional guidance and counselling coordinators should provide extra motivation to pupils through talk shows. This would help pupils to do well at school. Moreover, there is the need for the government and chiefs to establish sterner policies that will seek to protect children at all ages.