The influence of attachment styles on academic performance among adolescents in public secondary schools of Luanshya district

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of attachment styles on academic performance among adolescents in public secondary schools of Luanshya District of the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The specific objectives were: to examine the impact of attachment on academic performance in public secondary schools in Luanshya district of the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, to investigate the influence of gender on attachment and academic performance in public secondary schools of Luanshya District. The study utilised a quantitative descriptive survey research design. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents participated in the study, represented by 50% of each gender. Simple random sampling was used to select schools as well as the respondents. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 was used to analyse the data. Results revealed that attachment styles have an influence on academic performance of adolescents in public secondary school as most securely attached pupils got points below 15 points. It was also revealed that males were securely attached than females and that females had both dismissing and preoccupied insecure attachment styles more than males. In addition, males outperformed females in academic work. The study recommended that parents, teachers and all the caregivers should form a secure attachment with their children if they are to encourage them to excel academically; The government should document a policy for school administrators to encourage teachers to form secure attachment bonds with pupils for motivation as school is seen as a second home for them. Key words: Attachment styles, academic performance, adolescents and public schools.