The Home and School Determinants of Aggressive Behaviours Among Secondary School Students in Plateau State

Abstract

Aggressive behaviours among secondary school students are expressed in a number of ways such as bullying, seizure of provision from juniors, name-calling and violence. A number of factors can be used to explain students' aggressive behaviours. This'research aimed at investigating the home and school related factors associated with aggression among students in secondary schools. The sample was made up of 460 students randomly drawn from ten boarding secondary schools in Plateau State. Data were analyzed using Chi-square. The result showed a significant association between family background variables like home stability, socio-economic status, family discipline method and aggressive behaviour but school leadership style was not significantly associated with aggressive behaviour. A number of strategies were suggested to curb aggression in secondary schools which include parent-training, counselling aggressors, creating students' council, using playlets and encouraging victims to speak out.