TD-Department of Psychology (MST)

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Open Access
Research into Expressions of Adolescent Sexuality: A Case Study of Kenyan Males from Getathuru National Reception,Assessment and Classification Center
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2015-11) Gitu, Margaret Warau
This case study focused on how marginalized Kenyan male adolescents express their sexuality. The respondents in this study come from challenging backgrounds that include the dropping out of school due to the lack of school fees, high unemployment rates amongst their parents, absence of one or both parents due to death e.g. HIV/AIDS deaths and accidents or abandonment of one spouse by the other, as well as polygamy which sometimes leads to the neglect of parent and/or the children. The research study focused on the study population's sexuality-related knowledge, perceptions and attitudes, and their impact on this population's sexual behavior. Fifty teenage boys were drawn from the student population at Getathuru National Reception, Assessment and Classification Center (GNRACC) in Lower Kabete, Kenya. The adolescents at the center are court mandated to attend the rehabilitation school as a result of being neglected, and/or as a result of being in conflict with the law. The center, which serves as the only intake center nationwide, receives the adolescents for a period of three months during which they are assessed and classified according to their chronological age, health and academic abilities. At the end of their three month stay, they are referred to any of the other government-run institutions countrywide for the remainder of their mandated stay. The respondents were interviewed using a pre-coded self-administered and structured questionnaire which was administered to collect information on demographic, independent and dependent variables. The quantitative data generated was entered in the computer using the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) computer software. cleaned, processed (which sometimes required re-coding of certain variables and the development of index variables appropriately) and finally analyzed statistically. The study addressed three research questions. The study first sought to determine what the adolescent males at GNRACC knew about human sexuality. The researcher also sought to know the perceptions and attitudes towards sexuality that the adolescents at GNRACC held. Finally, the study sought to discover how the adolescents at GNRACC expressed their sexuality. The study hypothesized that the sexual behavior and expressions of marginalized Kenyan adolescent males is not significantly influenced by the adolescents' knowledge about human sexuality. The study also hypothesized that there was no significant relationship between the sexuality-related attitudes of marginalized Kenyan adolescents at GNRCC and their sexual behaviors. The results of the case study showed that all boys with the exception of one had been sexually active, and that their sexual debut had taken place at a relatively early age. In addition, the study found that majority were not adequately protecting themselves or their partners from unwanted pregnancies or STI infection, including HIV. The study concluded that not only are majority of the respondents sexually active, they are beginning sexual activity too early in their development. In addition, adolescent males are not adequately protecting themselves and their partners from pregnancy or STI infection. This was shown to be as a result of misconceptions that they have about conception, pregnancy and the prevalence or impact of STI infection. The study therefore concluded that sex education is urgently needed in order to curb the current trend of early sexual activity and risky sexual behavior amongst adolescent males. Additional research is needed in order to get a clearer picture of the sexual behavior of adolescent males, especially those from marginalized populations.
Open Access
The Effects of Boarding Primary School Experiences Upon Children's Interpersonal Relationship with the Nuclear Families
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2015-12) Keinamma, Marion W
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of boarding primary school experiences upon children's interpersonal relationships with their nuclear families. 3 research objectives were developed to guide the study namely; to investigate the relationship between the child and the father and mother before and after joining boarding primary school and to document the best and worst boarding primary school experiences the children encountered. The study was guided by the attachment developmental theory formulated by Bowlby (1969-1988), and expounded by (Neufeld, 2004) and (Neufeld, 2007). The study targeted children who attended boarding primary schools for not less than 2 years and comprised children aged between 13 and 18 years. Purposive sampling method was employed to obtain one boys' and one girls' secondary schools. Purposive sampling was also used to obtain the children aged between 13 and 18 years who attended boarding primary schools for not less than 2 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the required information. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to process the frequencies, percentages and descriptive statistics which were used to discuss the findings. Before joining boarding primary schools, the majority of the pupils felt close, significant and loved by their mothers. Girls felt significantly closer and loved by their fathers compared to the boys. The interpersonal relationships between the children and their parents were more established when compared to that of their siblings suggesting that the sibling system was still in its formative stage before they left for boarding primary schools. There were more boys who felt abandoned and rejected by their mothers after joining boarding primary schools compared to the girls. While the majority of both boys and girls never felt abandoned, rejected or disliked by their fathers, there was a statistically significant variation between the proportion of boys and girls who experienced those feelings after joining boarding primary schools. The study results show that girls were more adaptable to boarding primary schools and were therefore in a better position to settle down physically and emotionally faster than the boys. The boys did not seem to enjoy the boarding primary schools' environment, a probable reason why they may have had difficulties adapting to it. The worst memorable boarding primary school experiences included caning, being punished, waking up early and bad food. Recommendations are that parents should not only involve their children in decision making but should also emotionally prepare them before placing them in boarding primary schools. Parents and especially the fathers should ensure that they do not get detached from their children after placing them in boarding primary schools while the Ministry of Education should train teachers on alternative ways of disciplining children so as to eradicate caning and punishments completely from these institutions.
Open Access
Psychological and Emotional Impact of Female Genital Mutilation as Experienced by Kikuyu Women: A Case Study at Kiambu County in Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Gacheru, Margaret Njeri
Female genital mutilation or female circumcision is the term given to traditional practices involving the intentional cutting or partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. Female genital mutilation is often associated with physical experiences suffered by 100-130 million girls and women but there is less awareness about the psychological and emotional impact that can haunt a woman throughout her lifetime. The objectives of the research explored the experiences of the women who had gone through female genital mutilation in Kiambu County, Kenya; explored women’s perceptions about female genital mutilation; and explored women’s psychological and emotional impact of female genital mutilation; and how the women managed the psychological and emotional impact of female genital mutilation. A qualitative methodology was undertaken in the research using phenomenology technique. In the study twelve participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. In data collection, semi-structured interviews guided by open-ended questions, face-to face in-depth interviews were used. The research focused on effects narrated by the participants, including physical, psychological, social, and sexual effects. Findings indicated that, despite the many reasons given for the practice, none of them justified the continuation of the practice. Findings of the study suggested that participants felt that clinical practitioners needed to understand how female genital mutilation is accounted for, for example, reasons, many consequences of the procedure for instance, on physical health, psychological health and relationships. The findings revealed that the participant’s knowledge about the effects of female genital mutilation was limited. Implications and recommendations for further research are suggested including, training opportunities specifically regarding female genital mutilation. The study indicated that more education and support of the women to manage the effects of female genital mutilation is required. Further research is required to explore the connections between the physical and psychological effects of female genital mutilation. The research has shown that female genital mutilation has been eradicated in most parts of Kiambu County, Kenya.
Open Access
Work-Related Stress and its Impact on Job Performance of Married Employees: A Case of Windsor Flower Farm, Thika Sub-County, Kenya
(Panafrica Christian University, 2017-10) Mwiti, Purity M
Work related stress is physical and emotional responses which are essentially harmful, and which happen in instances where there is incongruity between the capabilities and resources of the worker and the requirements of the job. The impact of work-related stress on job performance of employees is an area of focus in developed countries but has not been comprehensively studied in the developing countries. This is especially with regard to married employees working in high demanding flower industry. This study investigated the stress levels of married employees, explored factors which have contributed to work related stress among married employees and assessed the effects of work-related stress on the job performance of married employees. The study strategized what can be employed to effectively mitigate the impact of work-related stress on the performance of married employees. The study employed a mixed-method strategy involving mainly a cross sectional descriptive survey research design. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 121 married employees. A simple random sampling technique was used in the study. A structured interview schedule was administered to the human resource manager. A document analysis method was used to collect data from the human resource records. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS (20). Quantitative data has been presented in form of tables, bar graphs and pie-charts. Qualitative data was grouped and presented in themes and patterns based on the objectives of the study. The study revealed that work related stress of married employees generally range from moderate to severe. The main factors that have contributed to work-related stress are among others harsh supervision, low basic salaries and poorly defined roles. The effect of work-related stress includes lateness, absenteeism, and alcohol and drug abuse, low morale which lead to poor job performance. It was further established that there is no proper counselling; the management relies on morning prayers and informal discussions as the means of addressing work-related stress among married employees. The study concludes that work-related stress has adversely affected the job performance of married employees at Windsor Flower Farm. The study recommends among others counselling of married employees to help them cope with work related stress which adversely affect their job performance. Poor job performance not only affects the specific industries but also the economy of the nation.
Open Access
Perceived Paternal Care and Self Esteem as a Predictor of Depressive Symptoms among Adolescent Boys in Selected Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Panafrica Christian University, 2017-10) Kuboka, Venoranda Rebecca
Perceived paternal care is attributed to the development of depression among adolescents. Depression is characterized by moodiness, low interest in activities, acting out and aggressiveness. This study examined perceived paternal care and self-esteem as a predictor of depressive symptoms among adolescent boys in selected secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to establish perceived paternal care among adolescent boys, to assess self-esteem as a vulnerability factor of depression, to investigate symptoms of depression among adolescent boys and to establish the relationship between perceived paternal care and development of depression among adolescent boys. In Kenya, few studies have been done to examine how paternal care predicts the development of depression among adolescent boy in Kenya. Many studies have examined how parenting styles contribute to depression in the context of both parents, that is, the mother and father. Few studies seem to focus on assessing how paternal care predicts the development of depression among boys in Kenya. An investigation on the relationship between paternal care and self-esteem as a predictor of depression was therefore ideal. Spearman Rank Correlation was used to test the relationship between paternal care and development of depression as well as assess self-esteem as a vulnerability factor to depression. Stratified random sampling was used to select four boy's schools. Purposive sampling was then used to select 87 boys who had fathers. Perceived parental care was assessed using the paternal nurturance scale. Depression scale was assessed using the Center Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). The Rosenberg scale was used to assess self-esteem. The study findings revealed that there is a negative correlation of (r= -.239) between perceived paternal care and depression among adolescent boys. The findings also revealed that there is a negative correlation of (r= -.505) between self-esteem and depression. The findings of the study will help mental health practitioners to develop interventions that incorporate parents in addressing the psychological needs of adolescents.
Open Access
Effects of Marital Conflict on Academic Performance of Students in Public and Private Day Secondary Schools in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Inanga, Ann Nkirote
The family is one of the most powerful primary agents of socialization and achievement of the entire family including children at school is very important. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of marital conflicts on the academic performance of public and private day secondary school students in Kenya based on a case study of selected schools in Kiambu sub-County. The study was anchored on Erickson’s theory, Behavioral theory and Abraham Maslow’s theory on hierarchy of needs. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data was collected using a questionnaire through the drop and pick method. Findings were organized into themes and according to research questions and objectives. Data was tabulated and presented descriptively using frequency tables, charts and graphs. The first objective sought to establish the areas of conflict among married couples in Kiambu sub-County. It was found that on a 5-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree, a high mean score was obtained on the statement that parents disagreed due to financial dissatisfaction, struggle for power and control of the family, show of public disapproval contributed to conflict between their parents and gender preference on children. The second objective of the study was to explain the effect of marital conflicts on the academic performance of students in public and private day secondary schools in Kiambu sub-County. Results showed that most of the respondents had a low concentration as a result of quarrels between parents/guardians, and majority of the respondents agreed that their academic grades were affected by marital conflicts among parents. With respect to the third objective which sought to establish the possible solutions to the problems regarding marital conflicts and academic performance of secondary school students, most of the respondents acknowledged that learning to calm down can reduce distraction from class as a result of family conflicts. It was also found that most of the respondents agreed that learning to speak and listen non-defensively was a way to resolve marital conflicts. It was concluded that marital conflict negatively impacted on children’s academic performance. It was recommended that parents or guardians who are experiencing conflicts in their families should consider counselling options as soon as possible to avoid negative effects on their children. Further studies could be focused on the effects of guidance and counseling on students’ academic performance.
Open Access
Perception of Family and Institutional Care Givers on The Social Emotional Development of Former Street Children: A Study of Koinonia Community in Nairobi County – Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Mwangi, Grace W
Literature reviews on interventions for children and adolescents in street situation (CASS) observes that there is lacking sufficient empirical research base and efficacy of different forms of interventions for street children. This study examined social emotional development of 52 former street children under family based care and institutional care interventions and a control group of 26 children raised by biological families and have never been on the streets in Konoinia community in Nairobi County. The study was anchored on attachment theory. Quasi experiment design and quantitative methodology were used in this study. Purposeful sampling was employed to select respondents in this study. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to the primary care givers of the children. That is parents of the children under family care and control group; whereas social workers filled SDQ for the children under institutional care. Data was analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and MS-Excel. The results showed that control group children performed better than both former street children under family and institutional care. Second, former street children under family care performed better in the emotional symptoms scale than former street children under institutional care. In addition, the findings of this study revealed that there was a difference between the three interventions of care in relation to the social emotional development of children. Control group children results revealed the necessity of prevention programs at the family level in order to prevent children from going to the streets and into alternative care interventions. Considering the study was conducted in one Children’s Care provider there is need to widen the scope of the study to other care providers, in order to get a wider view of the implications of street children interventions on children development and especially family and institutional care interventions.
Open Access
Impact of Family Instability on Teenagers ‘Self-Concept and Development of Friendships: A Case of Ruai, Nairobi County, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Onsando, Evans
The theoretical case for effects of family instability on children‘s self-concept rests on the premise that each of the transitions of parents, partners and step-parents into and out of the household requires adjustments that can be stressful and confusing to the child. This study, therefore, investigated the relationship between family stability/instability and teenagers‘ self-concept and development of peer friendships. The research was guided by Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory in data collection, analysis and interpretation of data results. Using descriptive causal-comparative design, and adopting purposive sampling technique, the study selected a sample of 51 high school age children of between 14 and 20 years in Ruai, Nairobi County in Kenya. Out of the sample of 51, 30 were drawn from Children Homes and the remaining 21 were drawn from churches within Ruai Area. Among the respondents, 15 were males while 36 were female. The participants were selected from unstable and stable family structures. Questionnaires, scales and focus group discussions were used in the data collection. Analysis of data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of IBM SPSS Version 20.0 program where the significance level was set at ≤ 0.05. The results were presented in tables, percentages and graphs. Findings of the study indicated that there was no statistical significance in as far as development of self-concept is concerned implying that there could be other factors that influence the development of self-concept. However, the findings demonstrate a very strong significance between family instability and the teenager‘s ability to develop and maintain peer friendships. In the current study, it emerged that teenagers living with two biological parents indicated a more satisfactory self-concept compared to their counterparts from the unstable family structure. The study also established that the attachment relationship between the parent and the child is a critical variable in the development of self-concept. This study could be used as a basis for renewed focus on the family as an important socialization point for children‘s future social development. The government and non-government actors should come up with policies that protect the interest of children for a safe and secure future of the society at large.
Open Access
The Effects of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction Among Married Christians:A Survey of Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) Woodley Assembly, Nairobi, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Korir, Dorcas,C
The overall objective of the study was to investigate the effect of religious practices, beliefs and faith community on the marital satisfaction of married Christians at CITAM Woodley. Three objectives were set. These were; to establish the effect of religious practice on marital satisfaction among married Christians, to explore the effect of religious beliefs on marital satisfaction among married Christians, and to ascertain the effect of belonging to faith community on marital satisfaction among married Christians in CITAM Woodley. Descriptive research and design was employed in this study. The study was guided by the ecological systems theory as postulated by Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979) and a conceptual framework was provided. The target population included all the 520 married Christians at CITAM Woodley. The sample was 104 (52 men and 52 women). Simple random sampling was used to select the sample. It was established that religious practice affected marital satisfaction. Religious beliefs did not affect marital satisfaction. Belonging to Community Faith groups affected marital satisfaction. The recommendations were that Community Faith groups especially those addressing marital issues be encouraged across other Christian communities because they had positive effects on marital satisfaction. Churches should encourage teams and team work in the various ministries in order to ensure that the married Christians get adequate time for resting and for service in activities. Churches should plan for times for service and for breaks. Further research was suggested on circumstances under which religious beliefs affect marital satisfaction and on the effect of the length of practicing religious practices on marital satisfaction.
Open Access
The Influence of Family of Origin Sexual Values on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Women: A Study of ACK St. Andrew’s Cathedral Church of Thika Diocese, Kiambu County in Kenya.
(Panafrica Christian University, 2017-10) Chege, Pauline Martha Njambi
Sexual satisfaction in marriage is an integral component of a marital relationship. Despite the numerous sensitization programs and seminars carried out in churches and other forums on improving marital relationships, very little has been done to address the influence of family of origin sexual values on sexual satisfaction among married women. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of family of origin sexual values on sexual satisfaction among married women. The study was conducted at ACK St. Andrew‟s Cathedral Church of Thika Diocese in Kiambu County, Kenya. This was done by sampling 48 married women aged between 20 to 40 years. The objectives of the study were to find out if there was transmission of sexual values in the family of origin, to establish the sexual values held by the sampled women, to establish the levels of sexual satisfaction of the sampled women and to establish if the sexual values from the family of origin had any impact on sexual satisfaction among the sampled women. A descriptive survey design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used that aimed at collecting in-depth information from sampled respondents through the use of focus group discussions as well as the questionnaires. The findings of this study established two major agents of transmission of sexual values. One of the agents of transmission of sexual values was found to be the family of origin that included the respondent immediate biological nuclear family and the extended family of origin that included grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins. The study established that the extended family of origin played an almost equal role as the nuclear family because most of the respondents were brought up in the rural areas where families lived together as one big family. The other major agent of transmission of sexual values was found to be schools and friends of the respondents. Very few respondents mentioned media as an agent of transmission of sexual values. Fear of intimacy and inhibition of sexual feelings were established to be the most held sexual values among the sampled married women. Most of the sampled women reported low levels of sexual satisfaction in marriage. The findings of this study indicated that family of origin sexual values had a negative impact on sexual satisfaction among the sampled married women and especially to those with lower levels of differentiation of self. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that therapists working with couples or individuals in marriage should consider exploring the multigenerational transmission patterns that occurs in families which fuel the transmission of sexual values from one generation to the other. It was also suggested that the Ministry of Education consider incorporating professional therapists in developing curriculums on sex education especially for the students in the formative years of development.
Open Access
The Influence of Forgiveness on Marital Conflict Management: A Case of Intercessory, Deliverance, and Counseling Churches (IDCC), Nairobi County, Kenya.
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Solosi, Winnie
Open Access
Adolescents’ Attachment to God: A Case of the Anglican Church of Kenya in Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Thiga, William Solomon Kiige
Based on attachment theory, the study sought to find how early parental child attachments influenced an adolescent attachment with God. The purpose of the study was to examine if there are any relationships between early parental child attachment styles, parental availability, parental emotional bond and parental proximity to a child and adolescent attachment to God. Participants for the study were drawn from the St. Peters’ Anglican church of Kenya (ACK) in Roysambu constituency, in Nairobi County and targeted the adolescent population in the Church. A sample size of 40 adolescents was targeted of which 37 responded. Using likert scales questionnaires, data was collected purposively and analysed quantitatively using Ms excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). A Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between parental child attachment and adolescents’ attachment to God. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the difference between adolescents’ attachment to God among the different parental gender proximity, parental emotional bond, and demonstration of attachment style by parents. Additionally, using the Attachment to God Inventory (AGI), the relationship between parent child attachment and attachment to God was explored among adolescents of St. Peter’s Anglican church, Roysambu in Nairobi. In addition, parental spirituality, attachment bonds and attachment styles emphasis were also investigated. Comparisons of the AGI with parent child attachment measures supported a correspondence between parental child attachment and adolescent attachment to God. The research findings underscore the importance of parental attachment bonds with positive influence to adolescent’s attachment to God. The research findings demonstrate the importance of parents as being attachment figures to their children as they help create images about God. The findings also demonstrate how parental attachment style, proximity, availability and emotional connectedness with their children influence their relationship with God.
Open Access
Effects of Premarital Counselling on Marital Success Among Couples in Kasarani Division, Nairobi
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Wanjiku, paschalline V Waititu
Marital dissatisfaction affects people of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds and this often leads to divorce. Divorce can have negative implications that can last for years. Therapists, Christian religious clergy and other related professionals providing premarital and marital counseling work to resolve marital discord and improve marital satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the connection between premarital counseling programs, marital success and marital satisfaction for couples. A questionnaire was used to establish whether participating couples attended pre-marital counseling, the topics that were covered during the program and the impact this has had in their marital relationship. Discussions were also held with three church leaders on the same study. The data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analysis and the outcome of the analysis was presented in tables, figures and narrative description indicating responses by the individuals. The results show that (52%) of the participants responding to the metric on importance of showing excitement when one partner comes home strongly agreed while (40%) agreed. However, (53%) of the respondents disagreed with the second metric that they should listen when their partners are talking as compared to those who agreed at (39%). Regarding conflict resolution and management, (96%) of the participants admitted that it was dangerous for them not to deal with marital conflicts conclusively while (96%) of them agreed that it was wrong for them to criticize their partner. Regarding the effect of pre-marital counseling on marital bliss and satisfaction, bivariate correlation analysis showed that there was significant positive correlation between pre-marital counseling and marital satisfaction [r=0.568, n=56 p<0.000]. This means that participation in pre-marital counseling programs brings satisfaction and bliss to the couples who attend such programs. On the effect of pre-marital counseling on marital conflicts, the results show that there was negative corellation between pre-marital counseling and prevalence of marital conflicts though there was no significant difference in the means [r = -0.120, n=56 p=0.205]. This illustration means that the more couples participated in pre-marital counselling, the fewer marital conflicts exist between them. The study recommends that all persons preparing to get married should be encouraged to participate in premarital counseling. To achieve this vision all the service providers including churches must ensure that there is enough sensitization of young people to this effect.
Open Access
The Relationship between Communication Patterns and Marital satisfaction among Christian Couples: A Case of SDA Churches in Ruaraka Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya.
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Bolo, Eunice Akelo
Marriage as instituted and ordained by God is a sacred union of a man and a woman and oneness is the true essence of a godly marriage. Communication is vital and occupies an important place in marriage. Communication shows the health of the marriage and also makes the marriage healthy. The best foundation that any partner in marriage can lay regarding good communication is being able to communicate congruently with one another. Amongst many couples communication style or pattern often becomes more of an issue than the issue itself as such couples’ communication patterns play a significant role in the achievement of marital satisfaction. This study sought to find out the relationship between communication patterns and marital satisfaction among Christian couples. This study was conducted using exploratory research design in selected Seventh Day Adventist churches in Ruaraka constituency where multi stage sampling was used to arrive at the target population then opportunity sampling used to arrive at the sample size. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and focused group discussions. The quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using IBM SPSS software and qualitative data obtained from questionnaires and focused groups were analyzed using thematic data analysis. Statistical findings indicated that daily and regular communication and open and honest expression of thoughts and feeling had a moderate positive significant effect on marital satisfaction among Christian couples while communication in conflict did not have a statistically significant effect on marital satisfaction among Christian couples. This study recommends that counselors should explore aspects such as; individual couple’s personality, individual couple’s expectation on how communication should be and the attitude with which information is received which affect how couples communicate when offering pre marital counseling or working with couples on their communication. Congruent communication is therefore vital for building and maintaining strong couple relationships.
Open Access
Relationship Between Personality Traits and Aggressive Behaviour Among Female Adolescents in Correctional Institutions in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Chege, Elizabeth
The main purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between personality traits and aggressive behavior among adolescent girls in correctional institutions. The study location was Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation Centre and Kamae Girls Borstal Institution Kiambu County, Kenya. Specific objectives were to find out the relationship between the caregiver‟s socio-economic status and respondent‟s aggressive behavior, to identify the common forms of aggressive behavior among the respondents and to determine the relationship between personality traits and aggressive behavior. The study was informed by the General Aggression Model. Spearman‟s correlation analysis was used to assess the level of association between personality traits and aggression. Chi-square was used to test if there was any significant difference in the characteristics of Kirigiti and Kamae Girls centers. Simple random sampling technique was used at Kirigiti to sample 61 adolescent girls while census study was done for the 25 girls at Kamae Girls. A structured questionnaire was used to undertake the survey. The study established that there was no significant variation in the composition of the girls in both centers. A very weak correlation existed between socio-economic variables and aggression indicating that socio-economic status does not influence These included family type (r = 0.008, n=86, p=0.945), female caregiver‟s education level (r=-0.133, n=86, p=0.240), male caregiver‟s education level (r = 0.033, n=86, p=0.791), female caregiver‟s source of income (r=-0.021, n=86, p=0.854) and male caregiver‟s source of income (r=0.103, n=86, p=0.396). The personality types presented were extraversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness. Extraversion had a significant positive correlation with verbal aggression (r=0.282, n=86, p=0.008) implying that the more extraverted a girl was the more verbally aggressive she was likely to be. Findings showed that the girls‟ level of agreeableness was not significantly correlated to the manifestation of physical aggression (r=0.001, n=86, p=0.996). Conscientiousness type did not have a significant relationship with aggression. The correlation analysis showed that emotional stability had a significant negative correlation with physical aggression (r=-0.257, n=86, p=0.017), an indication that emotionally stable girls were less likely to display aggressive behavior. Emotional stability and verbal aggression also had a significant negative correlation (r=-0.241, n=86, p=0.026). Emotional stability also revealed a significant negative correlation with hostility level (r=-0.369, n=86, p<0.001), probably suggesting that emotionally stable girls were likely to be less hostile. The forms of aggression presented in the study are physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. Findings showed that 54% of the girls were physically aggressive, 52% verbally aggressive, 41% manifested anger aggression, while 64% registered hostility form of aggression, There was no significant difference between the girls in the two centers as far as aggression was concerned. It was recommended that counseling psychologists be brought on board to work together with the juvenile justice system and other stakeholders, in coming up with a family based therapeutic approach that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the girls and their caregivers. Further research could be conducted establishing the relationship between personality traits, family and other contextual factors and aggressive behavior among adolescent girls.
Open Access
Effects of Blended Family Dynamics on the Wellbeing of Children in Kenya: Case of Kabete Sub-County in Kiambu County
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2017-10) Njoroge, Margaret W
Family changes adversely impact a child’s wellbeing including the psychological, social and academic wellbeing of the child. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of blended family dynamics on child wellbeing in Kenya using case of Kabete Sub-County in Kiambu County. The study employed descriptive design using both qualitative and quantitative research methodology and primary data to achieve its objectives. The study employed purposive sampling techniques to select a sample size of 50 secondary school age-going children from blended families focusing on 14 – 19 years age group. The governing theory underpinning the study was the Attachment Theory by Bowlby complimented by the theory of Structural Family Therapy by Minuchin. The data was collected through use of structured questionnaires. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis method in terms of frequencies, cross tabulations and graphs with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Regarding psychological wellbeing, the study revealed that most of the respondents did not spend time with their stepparents often, and that they trusted their biological parents with secrets and not their stepparents. Within different blended family dynamics, a higher proportion of respondents with delinquent behaviours such as cheating, stealing, fighting and school absenteeism were found within stepmother families than in stepfather families or a combination of stepfather and stepmother. The results on academic wellbeing showed that a higher proportion of the respondents with fair or bad academic wellbeing were from the stepfather families than from the stepmother families. In general, the study reflects an adverse child wellbeing in both stepmother and stepfather families. There was need for biological parents to continue to play an active role in the upbringing of their children through regular visits and creating quality time. In addition, stepparents should establish friendships with the children and foster trust and respect in order to reassure them that the new environment was safe to live in. There was generally a need for the stepfathers to step in as father figures to their step-children in order to provide the guidance that they need to enhance their academic wellbeing. There was need for a future study to compare the child wellbeing in blended families with that of traditional families.
Open Access
The Influence of Political Career Demands on Family Well Being in Kirinyaga County
(Panafrica Christian University, 2017-11) Peter, Ndambiri
This study investigated the influence of political career demand on family wellbeing. The variables considered for the study included; Job demand, role strain, and workplace relations in a political leader life (as a career) as independent variables and family wellbeing as dependent. The study used exploratory research design to explore the interplay of these variables in the region. The study adapted various measures of the variables from studies done on these variables and formulated others to contextualize the study. The target population of the study was 144 which constituted of retired councilors, Members of County Assembly, retired and current members of parliament together with their spouses in Kirinyaga County. A sample of 80 was selected. The study applied stratified sampling technique since the population was heterogeneous according to gender, and type of politician and simple random sampling to pick individual respondents. The study used primary data which was collected using likert scale questionnaire and an interview schedule. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and presented in charts, tables, frequencies. Correlation analysis was also conducted to measure the strength and direction of the relationship. The study also found out that public demands from the community, neighbors and friends caused pressure and strain in their task performance but their influence on family wellbeing was not significant. The study established that there existed conflict of interest on work tasks in the political leaders‟ working schedule thus making working demanding. As a result, a conflict between their work schedules and family time occur. The study also determined that workplace relations had both positive perspectives and negative impacts. On the positive impact, political leader‟s mutual support in workplace relations helped reduce stress but only to a small extent. The workplace relations increased their productivity and were a source of career advancement helping them achieve their goal career. However, the political leaders acknowledged that sometimes workplace relations took up time that was meant for family members and sometimes causes conflict more so when these relations are misunderstood. Overall, it was established that job demand, role strain and workplace relations in political career significantly influenced family wellbeing. The study recommends that political leaders should be keen on work life balance. The political career should promote work-life which would help the political leaders to have time to spend with their families; hence improving the family wellbeing.
Open Access
The Influence of Early Parent - Child Attachment Style on Married Couple‟s Relationship Attachment Style: A Case of Nairobi Christian Centre, Nairobi County, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian Univeristy, 2018-10) Gitahi, Fredrick Muiga
The high rate of couple detachment with each other in the Kenyan Church and society at large has become a real threat in married couple‟s health relationship. Based on attachment theory, the purpose of the study was to identify how early parental child attachment style influence married couple attachment style. The objectives of the study included such as; exploring on how early parental child attachment style influences a married couple‟s attachment style; examining the influence of attachment style perception construct in early parental child attachment style on married couple‟s attachment style and; exploring on how the father figure and the mother figure attachment style influences a married couple‟s attachment style. Participants were drawn from Nairobi Christian Centre in Nairobi County and consisted of 20 married couples in the Church. Of these, 20 participants were male and 20 other participants were female in their different stages of marital couple relationship. The study adopted a correlational research design which sought to examine the relationship between the variables. A questionnaire was used to collect data in the study. Respondents were sampled using simple random sampling from the total population of all the married couples in the Church. A Multiple Logistic Regression analysis was done to test for the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable simultaneously. A Pearson Correlation Coefficient was done to measure the linear correlation between early parental child attachment style and couple attachment style. The data was analysed quantitatively and the results presented using charts, graphs and frequency tables. In the findings, the descriptive statistics on the Multiple Logistic Regression analysis demonstrated a positive relationship that was identified where an early parental child attachment style influenced the couples‟ attachment style. The emotional availability of the parents was significantly acknowledged by the couples as assumed by the research study. The Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.857, with a P-Value of 0.000 indicated the significance of father and/or mother figure early childhood attachment style influence on couple attachment style. Since the research was conducted in a church setting and based on attachment theory, religious and spiritual value influences can be factored in future researches.
Open Access
THE ROLE OF FORGIVENESS IN MARITAL CONTENTMENT AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN CITAM ASSEMBLIES, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
(PAC University, 2018-10) MAKENA, VERONICA KAARI
Problems occur in nearly all marriages at one time or another. Even individuals in healthy marriages have suffered from some form of relationship offenses by their spouses. The ability to forgive one’s partner may be one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy marital relationships. The study examined the role of trait and episodic forgiveness in marital contentment among married men and women selected in two Christ Is the Answer Ministries assemblies in Nairobi, namely Woodley and Valley Road. Objectives of the study were to examine the role of trait forgiveness on marital contentment, to find out whether episodic forgiveness is related to marital contentment and to investigate how commitment, empathy and communication moderate the relationship between forgiveness and marital contentment. Mixed methods design was used in the study. The researcher used the emotional focused therapy because forgiveness is conceptualized as an emotional juxtaposition of positive emotions against the negative emotions of unforgiveness. Forgiveness could thus be used as an emotion-focused coping strategy to reduce a stressful reaction to a transgression. Data for the study was gathered using a questionnaire and focus group discussion guide and analyzed using SPSS and Nvivo software. The sample size was 135 individuals. Focused group discussion involved six couples randomly selected. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between trait forgiveness and marital contentment (r=.515, p<.01, N=107), with a relatively high composite score being obtained for trait forgiveness on a 5-point scale (M=3.52, SD=0.53) and a similar score being obtained for marital contentment (M=3.53, SD=0.66). There was a weak positive and statistically significant relationship between episodic forgiveness and marital contentment (r=.267, p<.01). Trait forgiveness emerged as the stronger antecedent to marital contentment, correlating relatively strongly with both marital contentment and episodic forgiveness. This calls for its magnification in both counselling practice and marriage and family therapy sessions as a sustainable antidote to marital contentment under relational stress, especially among Christian couples. Counselling practitioners should therefore emphasize the principle of forgiveness as the key to healing emotional wounds caused by offenses that manifest in the course of a marriage.
Open Access
Impact of Transition to Parenthood on Marital Satisfaction: The Case of First Time Parents at Anderson Centre, Nairobi Hospital, Kenya
(Pan Africa Christian University, 2019-05) Thumbi, Judith
Transition to parenthood is a defining moment for first time parents. The challenges associated with the adjustments necessary to accommodate the new family member are sometimes difficult for new parents. This has an impact on the marriage of the new couple. If not well handled, the conflicts arising from this stage can affect the couple’s marital satisfaction. Most studies on the impact of transition to parenthood on marital satisfaction are influenced by western thinking. Yet despite the potential contextual differences in family values from one culture to another, the topic of transition to parenthood and its impact on marital satisfaction has received limited research attention in Kenya. This study investigated the impact of transition to parenthood on marital satisfaction of first time parents in Kenya. The theoretical frame work for this study was Emotion Focussed Therapy (EFT) which is derived from attachment theory as it applies to adult love relationships. The research adopted a descriptive survey design with a mixed method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to conduct the study, on a population comprising of first time parents in the antenatal, post-natal and well-baby clinics at the Anderson Centre, Nairobi Hospital. Sampling technique was stratified purposive. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the respondents. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was synthesized and presented in themes. The study established that on a 5-point scale, the greatest change that transition to parenthood caused on first time parents was in terms of finances (M=3.97, SD=1.19) as the couple had to adjust their finances to accommodate the needs of the baby. However, a positive correlation was found between transition to parenthood and marital satisfaction of first time parents (r=.398, p<.01), implying that marital satisfaction of first time parents increased with transition to parenthood. Transition to parenthood explained 14.9% of the variance in the marital satisfaction of first-time parents (R2=.149), whereby one unit transition towards parenthood caused a 0.569 unit increase in the marital satisfaction of first time parents (B=0.569, p<.01). Marital satisfaction increased for 44% of the respondents while it remained the same for 34% of the respondents and decreased for 22% of the respondents following transition to parenthood. Support from friends and family was the single most adopted coping strategy, accounting for 57% of all the coping strategies mentioned by respondents. The study concluded that transition to parenthood generally enhances rather than erodes marital satisfaction of first time parents. This however depends on a number of underlying factors, most notably the presence and support of the spouse, financial preparedness and a strong social support system. Counseling and education for better preparation for transition to parenthood is an important institutional intervention but currently missing in healthcare facilities and counseling services. The study recommended that healthcare facilities should start offering marriage and family therapy services to expectant couples and first-time parents.