Romantic Relationship Among Preparatory School Students Factors Affecting It And Its Relationship With School Performance

This study used descriptive survey with correlational approach to examine the salient factors influencing students’ perception of romantic relationship and association with family, social and academic related variables. It also explore whether these variables differ across students’ gender, their family’s income level and academic performances status. Self-report questionnaire and FGD were the instruments of data collection. A sample of 366 (183 male and 183 female) students was selected from three public preparatory schools of Addis Ababa through simple random sampling. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test and percentage comparison. Furthermore, FGD data was transcribed and analyzed using thematic approach. Results indicated that (1) family influences (parental-children interaction, sibling’s interference) and social aspects (societal beliefs and peer attitude) were factors that influence adolescents’ romantic relationship. (2) Romantic relationship selections criteria of students significantly differ on the basis of gender, academic performance level and income status of students’ family. Hence, academic performances status of male acquaintances and their family income levels were more favored by female students as criteria for their romantic boyfriend selection. However, physical appearance was employed by male students as criteria for romantic friendship selection. Moreover, medium and high achievers preferred physical appearances, yet, low achievers use academic performances status of friends as criteria for selecting romantic friendship. (3) Students perceived romantic relationship as benefits in enhancing sexual health and building lasting relationships for adult life. Overall, these findings suggested parental and siblings’ interferences and beliefs of community on adolescents’ friendship remarkably influence romantic relationship. Hence, family, students, school administrators and teachers should understand students’ friendship positively and create discussion on romantic relationship.

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