INFLUENCE OF FAMILY DYNAMICS ON ADOLESCENT RESILIENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL SETTINGS IN NASARAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE.

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of family dynamics on adolescent resilience in secondary school settings in Nasarawa Local Government, Nasarawa State. The study adopted a descriptive research design of correlational type. Purposive sampling technique was used to select three hundred (300) participants from five (5) school in Nasarawa Local Government Area. Two research questions, two objectives and two hypotheses guided the study. Family Dynamics Questionnaire (FDQ), Adolescent Resilience Scale and Resilience Scale for Adolescents (RSA) were instruments used in obtaining data fromthe respondents. Statistical methods, including descriptive analysis and correlation, were employed to examine the relationships between family dynamics and adolescent resilience. Results for the study shows that, there was weak positive correlation between family structure (nuclear, single-parent, or extended families) and both academic (r = 0.22) and emotional resilience (r =0.19); also, the study found a moderate to strong positive correlation between authoritative parenting style and both academic resilience (r = 0.49) and emotional resilience (r =0.42). The study concludes that family dynamics are vital in fostering resilience among adolescents in school settings. The study recommended that educational programs and workshops shouldbe developed to educate parents about the benefits of authoritative parenting, which balances support and discipline and that schools and local authorities should encourage programs that promote family involvement in school activities.