The Mediating Effects of Aspiration, Self-Confidence, Interest in Schooling, and Peer Influence on the Relationship Between Teen Girls' Behavior and Academic Performance. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ngware, Moses W.; Mahuro, Gerald M.; Hungi, Njora; Abuya, Benta A.; Nyariro, Milka P.; Mutisya, Maurice
• Is Part Of: Urban education. Volume 56:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1719
• Page End: 1747
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: behavior -- aspiration -- self-confidence -- schooling -- learning; Education, Urban -- Periodicals; Enseignement en milieu urbain -- Périodiques; Éducation; Milieu urbain; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 370.91732
• DOI: 10.1177/0042085918772632
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-0859

Abstract

Indulgence in risky behavior is a reason for low academic performance. We hypothesized that four constructs including academic aspiration, self-confidence, interest in schooling, and peer influence mediate the relationship between risky behavior and academic performance. Data are from 1256 school-going girls in urban slums who came from the lowest 40% of poor households. Results show that indulgence in risky behavior leads to low aspiration, low self-confidence, and low interest in schooling. The constructs mediate between risky behavior and academic performance even after accounting for covariates. The results imply that education practitioners can focus on soft-skills to enhance academic achievement.