Family cohesion and its relationship to the level of ambition among high school students

Abstract

Introduction. By investigating family cohesiveness and student ambition in the Karak Educational Directorate, this study sheds light on how family dynamics affect high school students' ambitions. In a specific cultural and educational setting, it examines the intricate relationships between family togetherness and student ambition. The study's regional focus makes it stand out; it furthers our understanding of how families affect adolescents' growth and development and provides helpful data for educational policymakers in similar circumstances. The study aimed to explore family cohesion and its relationship to the level of ambition among high school students in the Karak Educational Directorate and the effect of the variables (gender and academic field) on them. Study participants and methods. This study used the descriptive correlational approach, and the sample consisted of (858) high school students in the Karak Qassabah district. After developing them and verifying their validity and reliability, the family cohesion and ambition level scales were used. Results. The study indicated that high school pupils in the Karak Educational Directorate had an average degree of family cohesion. The areas of communication and empathy had the greatest average scores (3.93), while intellectual stability and conformity had the lowest (3.51). On average, we got 3.66. The pupils demonstrated a high degree of ambition, with an average score of 3.74 indicating a range from a high of 3.89 for optimism to a low of 3.62 for tolerance for frustration. There was a strong positive association (r=0.572) between ambition and family cohesiveness. Regarding the correlation between family unity and aspirations, gender disparities benefitted women, whilst in the realm of academia, they favored students majoring in science. Practical significance. The study highlights the significant impact of family dynamics on students' aspirations. As a result, it's clear that teenagers whose families are generally cohesive have high levels of academic ambition, highlighting the importance of parental encouragement in this important life transition. The results offer important information for parents, teachers, and lawmakers, especially on the gender and academic speciality differences in family cohesiveness and aspirations. In order to inspire and motivate high school pupils, this study stresses the importance of supportive home settings and individualised educational plans. Future efforts to improve students' educational and personal development through family involvement might use this research as a basic reference.