Assessing the Effect of Parental Divorce on the Academic Performance of Leaners: A Study of Selected Primary Schools in Mporokoso District of Northern Province, Zambia

Abstract: This study assessed the effect of parental divorce on the academic performance of learners in selected primary schools in Mporokoso District of Northern Province, Zambia. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A total of 120 respondents, including learners from different grade levels, class teachers, head teachers and teachers, participated in the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, and interviews. The qualitative data obtained were analysed using study themes generated from the study while quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The findings revealed that learners from divorced families frequently exhibited emotional distress, decreased concentration, lack of parental support, and low self-esteem, all of which contributed to poor academic performance. Quantitative analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in grades between learners from intact families and those from divorced families, while qualitative insights highlighted the role of psychosocial challenges and unstable home environments in shaping learners’ educational outcomes. The study therefore concluded that parental divorce has a notable negative effect on learners’ academic achievement. Recommendations include the implementation of school-based counseling services, enhanced parental engagement programs, community awareness campaigns on the impact of divorce, and policy interventions aimed at providing emotional and academic support for affected learners to improve their educational outcomes. Keywords: Academic Performance, Educational Outcomes, Emotional Well-being, Parental Divorce and School Performance. Title: Assessing the Effect of Parental Divorce on the Academic Performance of Leaners: A Study of Selected Primary Schools in Mporokoso District of Northern Province, Zambia Author: Zulu Raymond, Chanda Chansa Thelma International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning ISSN 2394-9686 Vol. 12, Issue 5, September 2025 - October 2025 Page No: 10-18 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 18-September-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17151782 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Assessing%20the%20Effect%20of%20Parental%20Divorce-18092025-2.pdf