Perceived Impact of Divorce on the Academic Performance of Junior High School Students in Osino in the Fanteakwa District, Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to examine the impact of divorce on the academic performance of students in Osino in the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design using the mixed-methods approach. A sample of 158 students from divorced homes in Osino were selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that majority of the students found it difficult to resolve their personal, everyday life challenges since their parents dissolved their marriages. Others reported that social and community activities become so hard to keep up with since the divorce of their parents. The students reported that grades in class have been affected negatively after the divorce of their parents. Students found it difficult to focus in class and have stable mind and good mood to learn. There were differences in the academic performance of students from divorced homes on the basis of gender and duration of divorce, but not on the basis of age and whom the children lived with. It was recommended that school heads set up support systems in their schools particularly the kind that could provide some financial aid and emotional support to ease the challenges experienced by children from divorced homes.