Abstract:
The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between antisocial
behavior and academic achievement of high school students in Jimma town. Participants
were 524 students 14-19 years old from two secondary schools, One from government
and one from private school which were selected by multi-stage sampling. In this
research correlational study design was used. To collect adequate and valid data both
primary and secondary data sources were used in the study, from primary data sources,
questionnaire: a set of questions which consists of close and open ended questions, which
measures the students antisocial behavior. The other is from a secondary data source
that is grade reports of the students from the school, to assess how the students are
achieving academically. Some questions in the questionnaire were set to cross check with
secondary data source, some of them were not found to be consistent so the
questionnaires were discarded. Results indicate that academic achievement was
negatively associated with antisocial behavior. The result also showed that there is no
significant difference between government and private schools in correlation of academic
performance and antisocial behavior. The result also showed that there is a significant
difference between male and female students in correlation of academic achievement and
antisocial behavior, which is strong in male participants than female participants. The
researcher recommends further studies to be conducted in the area, teachers also have to
implement behavioral monitoring and modification strategies in primary and secondary
school to further study, they also have to use more psychological way of treating students
with behavioral problems. Parents have to assess their children’s academic and
behavioral changes frequently. Psychologists also have to be in schools to counsel
students with behavioral problems. So as the result showed there is a significant
correlation between academic achievement and antisocial behavior teachers and parents
have to work together for better improvement of students’ academic and behavioral and
academic improvement
