ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to investigate the implication of family instability on child upbringing and academic performance. The descriptive survey research design was used to systematically investigate the study.
The population for this study consisted of five hundred (500) teachers in public secondary schools in Oredo local government area of Edo State. The research instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire drafted by the researcher. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, the instrument was administered to 20 respondents in one week interval and after a week the instrument was again administered to the same respondent. The results of both administrations were compared with the use of Cronbach alpha statistic and a coefficient score of 0.72 was achieved. The generated data were carefully collated and analysed with the used of frequency table, percentage, mean score and standard deviations (SD) to answer research questions while pearson’s product moment statistics was used to analyze the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.
Based on the result of the study the following were the findings: Marital conflict, financial difficulties, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, and negative interference from family and friends are identified as significant causes of family instability. Constant exposure to parental conflict, feelings of abandonment or rejection, negative behavioural outcomes, challenges in socialization and self-esteem building, and the risk of mental health issues and substance abuse are significant effects of family instability identified. Family instability significantly affects child academic performance through factors such as parental divorce or separation, reduced parental involvement in education, and interruptions in the child's education due to instability. Good communication, conflict resolution skills, emotional support, adequate financial resources, and social support networks are identified as essential factors enhancing family stability. On the basis of the finding it was therefore recommended among others that Oredo Local Government authority should establish and implement family support programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of family instability. Educational institution within the local government should create school based support systems to assist children affected by family instability. This should include implementing counseling services, mentorship programmes, and academic support initiatives to address the unique needs of these students and promote their academic success despite the challenges they may face at home.
