Poor Behavior at Home and Academic Performance

This may not be a favorite article for some as newer guidance and education texts don’t include this, favoring positive teacher-student relationships, and leaving out the truths of external factors. The home life and everything it entails, whether negative or positive, absolutely is brought to schools and affecting student progress. There are several links between student home life/behavior and school outlook. These links can significantly impact a student’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. Here are a few critical connections:

1. Lack of discipline and structure: If a student experiences poor behavior, lack of discipline, and minimal structure at home, they may struggle to adapt to the structured environment of school. These students may find it challenging to follow rules, complete assignments, and focus on their studies.
2. Low parental involvement: When parents are not actively engaged in a child’s education, whether due to their behavioral issues, neglect, or other reasons, it can adversely affect their academic performance. Lack of parental involvement can lead to reduced motivation, lack of support, and limited guidance, which can impact a student’s outlook on school.
3. Emotional and psychological effects: Poor behavior at home can harm a student’s emotional and psychological well-being. These things include witnessing domestic violence, substance abuse, or parental conflicts. These adverse experiences can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating, hindering their ability to engage positively in the school environment.
4. Peer influence and socialization: Students exhibiting poor behavior at home may struggle to develop appropriate social skills and interact positively with peers. This can lead to social isolation, bullying, or engaging in harmful behaviors at school. Poor behavior at home can influence a student’s ability to form healthy relationships and participate in classroom activities effectively.
5. Lack of support for academic success: Students who experience poor behavior at home may lack the necessary resources and support for academic success. This can include limited access to educational materials, a quiet study environment, or assistance with homework. Students may struggle academically without proper support, leading to a negative outlook on school.
6. Academic Performance: Poor behavior at home can negatively affect a student’s academic performance. Steinberg, Dornbusch, and Brown (1992) found that family factors, including inconsistent discipline, lack of monitoring, and low parental involvement, were associated with lower academic achievement.
7. Social Interactions: Poor behavior at home may result in difficulties in social interactions at school. A research study by Deater-Deckard, Dodge, Bates, and Pettit (1996) found that children who experienced aggressive and hostile parenting exhibited higher levels of aggression, hostility, and conflict with peers in school environments.
8. Emotional Well-being: Poor behavior at home can impact a student’s emotional well-being, leading to increased stress and decreased self-esteem. A study by Krishnakumar and Buehler (2000) revealed that negative family interactions, such as parental criticism, hostility, and conflict, were associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety in adolescents, which can further affect their school outlook.
9. Attitude towards Authority: Poor behavior at home may influence a student’s attitude towards authority figures, including teachers and school administrators. A study by McLoyd, Kaplan, and Hardaway (2003) found that negative family interactions were associated with lower levels of trust and respect toward authority figures, which can impact a student’s engagement and adherence to school rules.
10. Long-term Educational Attainment: Poor behavior at home can have long-lasting effects on a student’s educational attainment. A study by White, Liu, and Nair (2017) found that exposure to harsh and inconsistent discipline in childhood predicted lower educational attainment in adulthood.

In conclusion, poor behavior at home can significantly impact a student’s outlook at school, affecting their academic performance, social interactions, emotional well-being, attitude towards authority, and long-term educational attainment. Educators, parents, and policymakers must recognize and address these links to create a supportive and conducive learning environment for all students.

References:

Deater-Deckard, K., Dodge, K. A., Bates, J. E., & Pettit, G. S. (1996). Physical discipline among African American and European American mothers: Links to children’s externalizing behaviors. Developmental Psychology, 32(6), 1065-1072.

Krishnakumar, A., & Buehler, C. (2000). Interparental conflict and parenting behaviors: A meta-analytic review. Family Relations, 49(1), 25-44.

McLoyd, V. C., Kaplan, R., & Hardaway, C. R. (2003). Does it really take a village? Community effects on children, adolescents, and families. Psychology in the Schools, 40(4), 381-383.

Steinberg, L., Dornbusch, S. M., & Brown, B. B. (1992). Ethnic differences in adolescent achievement: An ecological perspective. American Psychologist, 47(6), 723-729.

White, R. M. B., Liu, Y., & Nair, R. L. (2017). Childhood discipline and educational attainment in young adulthood: Evidence from a prospective birth cohort study. Journal of Adolescence, 60, 77-86.