Adolescents Antisocial Behavior And Their Academic Performance: The Case Of High Schools In Jimma Town.

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