Published Paper Details:

The intricate interplay between the home environment and child development is paramount in shaping a child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. This study delves into this multifaceted relationship, investigating how diverse elements of the home environment, including parental behaviours, family structure, socioeconomic status, resource access, and overall household atmosphere, collectively influence a child's developmental journey. Specifically, the study examines the impact of these factors on secondary school student's academic progress and holistic well-being. The research objectives encompassed two key facets: firstly, to explore potential variations in the home environment across variables such as gender and locality (urban/rural) among secondary school students; and secondly, to analyse the correlation between the home environment and academic achievement within this student cohort. Methodologically, the study employed a comprehensive Survey Method to collect data from a representative sample of 310 secondary school students hailing from the East Godavari district. A meticulously designed questionnaire featuring 91 items assessed eight distinct dimensions: educational support, cognitive stimulation, socioeconomic factors, parental expectations, emotional support, study habits, time management, nutrition and health, and access to technology and learning resources. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was established with a high Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.941, affirming the reliability of the data. Findings from the study refute any notable gender-based or urban-rural disparities in academic progress and the home environment. Moreover, a robust and affirmative correlation was unveiled between academic progress and the quality of the home environment among secondary school students. These results underscore the pivotal role of the home environment in nurturing emotional well-being, cognitive growth, and physical health - essential components contributing to students' academic success and personal development.