Influence of Paternal Absence on Academic Performance of Adolescents in Selected Schools, Kiminini Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Abstract

High academic performance is strongly linked to family dynamics and the degree of parental involvement, with numerous studies emphasizing the importance of a father’s role. However, the number of single-parent households has been increasing, leaving many children to grow up without a father figure. This absence can negatively affect adolescents, potentially resulting in lower academic success. This study explored the relationship between father absence and academic performance of adolescents in selected schools from Kiminini sub-county, Trans-Nzioa County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine the prevalence of father absence in adolescent students, assess academic performance of adolescent students affected by father absence in selected schools Kiminini Sub- County, examine the link between academic performance and sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent students and analyse whether father absence affects the academic performance of adolescent students in selected schools in Kiminini Sub-county, Trans-Nzioa. Rooted in Attachment Theory (1969/1982) by John Bowlby and Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (1986), this study adopted a descriptive research design, targeting 326 form two students and 46 teachers drawn from two selected schools in Kiminini Sub-County. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the sample's characteristics, while inferential statistics helped in generalizing findings to the broader population. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires with both learners and teachers. The findings portrayed a notable difference in academic performance between students from father-absent families and those with a father present. Students without a father figure performed less well in school compared to their peers from father present families. These findings have created insight on the impact of how the absence of a male parent in a family affects the academic performance of adolescent students in Trans Nzioa County.