The Relationship between Family Satisfaction and School Performance

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine if and to what extent a correlational relationship exists between the variables of family functioning and academic performance as well as family functioning and school behaviors. The theoretical frameworks of William Glasser's choice theory, Circumplex model of marital and family therapy, and Covington's theory of academic self-worth. The present study was guided by two separate research questions. Data were collected from 132 middle schoolers and their parents. Positly, a participant research database was used to distribute the online SurveyMonkey survey containing two reliable and valid instruments in addition to demographic data. To examine these variables, the researcher utilizes the Family Satisfaction Scale (Olson, 2010), Student GPA (academic performance), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Parent Version (student behavior). A negative correlation was found between the two variables of family satisfaction and student behaviors, [rho] = - 0.30, p < 0.001; a statistically significant relationship exists between family satisfaction and student behavior. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]