INFLUENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH ON SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT IN EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT IV LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Mathematics is a crucial subject in many academic programs and students’ performance in this subject can have long-term implications for their future academic and career prospects. Mental health issue has become prevalent among youth people and if care is not taken could become an important driver of their performance in school. This paper however investigated the influence of mental health on senior secondary students’ mathematics achievement in Educational district IV Lagos state. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. A sample of two hundred and forty students drawn using simple random sampling technique was used in the study. The instruments used for data collection were validated close-ended questionnaire and test. Results showed that there is good level of awareness on mental health among students whereas there are no provisions for students going through mental health issues, furthermore it was observed that family crisis, among other factors largely contribute to poor mental health issues among the senior secondary mathematics students. The paper recommends that necessary provision be made available by schools and relevant authorities for students with poor mental health, and that parents should shield their children from family crisis to avoid any negative influence.