Blended Family Dynamics and Academic Performance Outcome of the Child in Kenya: Case of Kabete Sub-County in Kiambu County

Abstract

Family changes adversely impact the academic performance outcome of a child. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of blended family dynamics on academic performance outcome of the child in Kenya using case of Kabete Sub-County in Kiambu County.  To achieve its objectives, the study uses primary data collected from a sample of 50 secondary school age-going children from blended families. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis method as well as inference using chi-square method. One of the key findings of the study was that that blended family dynamics influenced the academic performance outcome of children, with stepfather families having negative influence on the academic performance outcome of children. The findings of the study are important in that they can be used to formulate policies and strategies for promoting improvement in psychological wellbeing of the child in blended families.

Keywords: academic performance outcome, blended family, stepparents, stepfather families, stepmother families.