PARENTAL NEGLECT ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT IN SHOMOLU LGA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the parental neglect on students' academic performance and psychosocial adjustment in Shomolu LGA, Lagos State. The research focused on various forms of parental neglect, including physical, psychological, social, emotional, and educational neglect. 120 Senior Secondary II students were selected using the stratified technique of random sampling. Two research instruments were employed: the Effect of Parental Neglect on Academic Performance Questionnaire (EPNAPQ) and the Achievement Test on English Language (ATEL), both of which demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.73 during the pilot study. Descriptive statistics and an independent t-test were used to analyze the data and test the four formulated hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed a significant relationship between parental neglect and students' academic performance, classroom involvement, study habits, and social adjustment. The study's results underscore the importance of parental care and attention in promoting students' overall well-being and academic success. It was recommended that parents prioritize their children's needs, provide adequate care and support, and avoid neglect and abuse, which can have long-lasting negative effects on a child's social and psychological adjustment.