Abstract:
The objectives of the study was to investigate types, magnitude ,predictors of aggression and the
methods that teachers used to control aggression in secondary schools of Jimma zone. A cross –
sectional design was used for the study. A total of 663 secondary school students and 53 secondary
school teachers participated in the study. Multi-stage sampling that involves simple random and
stratified sampling techniques was used to select student participants. Accidental sampling
techniques were employed to select teacher participants. Questionnaire that contained items on
socio-demographic variables, scales on aggression, scales on parenting styles and scales on
personality variables was used by the researchers to collect information from the students. A
necessary data from the teachers were collected through close ended and open ended questionnaires.
Interview and observation were also applied to collect data. One sample t- test , and step wise
multiple regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data. The findings disclosed that
physical ,verbal and indirect types of aggression were evident and students reported greater indirect
aggression followed by verbal and physical aggression. The one sample t test ,however, indicated
that the magnitude of each type of aggression was below average. Regarding the predictors of
aggression, scores on the measure of perceived parental affection/warm and agreeableness
negatively predicted physical aggression whereas scores on neuroticism positively predicted
physical aggression. Scores on the measure of perceived parental affection/warm ,sex, and
agreeableness negatively predicted indirect aggression whereas scores on the measure of extravert
and neuroticism positively predicted indirect aggression. It was also found out that scores on the
measure of perceived parental affection/warm negatively predicted verbal aggression whereas
scores on neuroticism positively predicted verbal aggression. Regarding the methods teachers used
to control aggression , advising and handing over the aggressor to discipline committee were the
most common methods reported. Some interviewed students, however, disclosed that threatening,
insulting and time out were the methods teachers frequented most. The researchers also witnessed
some forms of physical punishment in one school though physical punishment was not reported by
the teachers and the interviewed students. Recommendations were also forwarded in the light of the
findings.
