FAMILY COMMUNICATION PATTERNS AS A CORRELATE OF SELF-EFFICACY AND SELF-ESTEEM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BENUE AND NASARAWA STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the family communication patterns as a correlate of self-efficacy and self-esteem of secondary school students in Benue and Nasarawa States. Seven research questions and seven hypotheses were formulated to guild the study.The study employed a correlational design and the population of the study comprised 161,005 students, with Benue State having 62,463 students and Nasarawa having 98,543 students. These students were enrolled in 527 government-aided secondary schools located in Benue and Nasarawa States. Glenn formular was used to determine sample size.The sample size comprised384 from 294,207 students. The instruments on family communication patterns scale and psycho-academic adjustmentquestionnaire were subjected to face and content validation as well as a reliability test using Cronback Alpha which yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.78 to 0.88 respectively.Data collected were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to answer research questions, why linear regression was used to test hypotheses and determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that family communication patterns have positive relationship with self-efficacy and self-esteem. It was concluded that family communication patterns significantly relate to the self-efficacy and self-esteem of secondary school students. It was recommended, among others that, counselors and teachers should use strategies that boost students' self-efficacy; this could include providing positive feedback, setting achievable goals, and teaching effective problem-solving skills. Counselors should provide counseling sessions for students who struggle with self-esteem issues and create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking guidance and counseling. The conclusion were made based on the discourse.