Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Article Title: Perceived Home Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviour among Public Secondary School Students in Western Province, Kenya
by Moses Wesang'ula Poipoi; John O. Agak and Eric K. Kabuka

Abstract:
Violent behavior is not a new phenomenon in the contemporary educational system. It is manifested in the form of rioting, sexual violence, fighting and bullying. These destructive activities contribute to physical disabilities, drop out and poor academic performance among students. The purpose of the study was to establish the perceived home factors contributing to violent behavior among public secondary school students in Western Province, Kenya. The study was based on the Social Learning Theory by Bandura. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population was composed of 638 Principals, 6,354 teachers and 65,969 form two students. Questionnaire and in-depth interview guides were used to collect data from teachers and students. Face validity was established by giving the instruments to three experts in the area of Education. Qualitative data from interviews was transcribed and reported according to emerging themes while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the frequency counts, means and percentages. Inferential statistics such as Mann-Whitney U test and t-test statistics were applied. Home factors contributing to violent behavior included: poor relationship between parents and children; manner of disciplining children at home; and low level of home supervision. The study recommends that: guidance and counseling be reinforced in schools in order to reduce cases of violent behavior; students with mental and psychological disorders should be referred to medical doctors and psychiatrists; and the school administration should control drug abuse among students.

Keywords: aggression, perception, perceived factors and violent behavior

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