Types, Magnitude, Predictors and Controlling Mechanisms of Aggression in Secondary Schools of Jimma zone

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.