Selected single parent variables and their relation to disruptive middle school student behavior

This study compared referrals for disruptive school behavior of middle school students living in single parent households. The cumulative referrals as well as the individual types of referrals were examined looking for differences between male and female students from single parent homes. Differences in referral rate and type were also examined according to the gender of the custodial parent. An examination of the data was further undertaken to look for referral differences as they are affected by the possible custodial parent gender, child gender combinations. A review of the literature indicated that gender of the child of the single parent home has an affect on behavior outside the school setting. Very little could be found in the literature pertaining to the gender of the single parent and its affect on the students behavior. The results of this study indicated that gender does have an impact on the school behavior of students from single parent homes. Findings in this study include: (1) The gender of the custodial parent of the middle school student living in a single parent home does not have an affect on the referral rate of the student; (2) The gender of the middle school student living in a single parent household appears to have a significant affect on the referral rate of the student; (3) There is no interaction between the gender of the student and the gender of the custodial parent as it pertains to the student's referral rate; (4) There is a significant relationship between the gender of the middle school student living in a single parent household and the types of referrals received for disruptive school behavior; (5) There is no relationship between the gender of the custodial parent of the middle school student and the types of referrals received for disruptive school behavior. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)