An assessment of adolescent decision making styles in Arua Municipality, Uganda

Abstract

This study assessed the various decision making styles among adolescents in Arua district. The study used a convergent parallel mixed method design in which descriptive survey was used for quantitative data. The total study population was 4,692 students aged 13-19 years. A sample of 369 participants was selected from the 11 secondary schools in Arua municipality. Stratified and purposive sampling procedures were employed. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis where findings were presented in form of frequency tables. Study findings  indicated that the decision making styles widely used by adolescents in Arua included  avoidant style with a mean score of 3.09 and a standard deviation of 1.312, spontaneous style with a mean score of 2.648 and a standard deviation of 1.27 and the dependent style with a mean score of 2.37 and a standard deviation of .951. The study recommends that adolescents could adjust on their decision making styles by embracing family values. Parents could improve on ways of managing their families in the areas of communication, behavior control, problem-solving and affection to their children.