Agnes Anyaogu Arunma & Dr N. P. Ogbuokiri
Abstract
This study, adopted correlational research design to investigate family structure and emotional stability as correlates of academic performance in English Language among secondary school students in Abia State. Two research questions and two hypotheses tested at the 0.05 significant level guided the study. The population comprised 8,739 Senior Secondary II students across 263 public secondary schools, from which a sample of 437 students (5%) was drawn through proportionate sampling. The research instrument titled Family Structure and Emotional Stability Questionnaire (FSESQ) was validated by three experts – two specialists in Guidance and Counselling and one from Measurement and Evaluation – from the Department of Psychological Foundations of Abia State University, Uturu. A reliability coefficient of 0.84 was established. Data were analysed using simple linear regression and associated t-tests. Results showed that nuclear family structure and stress management are significant predictors of students’ academic performance in English Language. The study concludes that both family structure and students’ capacity to manage stress are critical determinants of academic success. It recommends that parents, school counsellors, and educators should work collaboratively to foster emotionally supportive and academically enabling environments that enhance students’ performance and holistic development.