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Item Open Access Early Family Environment and Emerging Adults’ Suicidal Behaviours: A Case of Two Selected Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya.(PAC University, 2024-07-25) Mutwiri, Marion K.This dissertation examined early family environments and related implications for emerging adults' suicidal behaviours. The principles of attachment theory, life course development and the Satir model guided the study. The study explored the prevalence and early family environments associated with suicidal behaviours among emerging adults aged 18–29 in selected universities. The psychological stressors compelling emerging adults to suicidal behaviours and the role of spirituality were useful constructs of this study. This study adopted a convergent mixed-methods design. Data was collected from two selected universities in Nairobi County. The study population comprised 431 undergraduate students and six university counsellors. Simple random, stratified and snowballing sampling techniques were applied in the sample selection. A pre-test was done on a sample of 30 undergraduate students at a selected university that was excluded from the study. Data was collected after obtaining relevant permits, informed consent and the confidentiality of participants was guarded. The data was concurrently collected using quantitative and qualitative methods. The data was concurrently analyzed. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The qualitative data was analyzed using NVIVO version 11. The relationship between the variables was established through Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MANOVA). The results were triangulated and presented using tables and figures. The results showed emerging adults were engaging in suicidal thinking (17%) and attempts (7.8%). Studying at a private university, living in hostels and living alone were risk factors for suicidal behaviours. Additionally, female students engaged in suicidal behaviours: thought dying was better than living (t=13.0, p.004); purchased items to end their lives (t=4.2, p.043); came close to taking away their lives (t=8.8, p.002) and engaged in cutting (t=5.4, p.036) as a form of self-harm. Family relations, chronic and mental illness, maltreatment and parental divorce before the age of 12 were risks for suicidal behaviours. Feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety and financial difficulties were the psychological stressors associated with suicidal behaviours in emerging adulthood. Religion was both a protective and a risk factor for suicidal behaviours. These findings will greatly inform marriage and family therapists' practises as they seek to prevent, mitigate and intervene for suicidal behaviours in emerging adulthood. Other stakeholders who will benefit from this study include parents, university administrators, counsellors and chaplains, religious organizations and mental health providers.Item Open Access Relationship Between Complicated Grief and Antisocial Behaviours Among Children: A Case of Selected Public Primary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya(PAC University, 2024-08-14) Priscillah Ndunge OmucheniThe inability of children to comprehend and process death due to factors like chronological age, attachment of the child to the deceased, nature of death, and family support may lead to delayed or prolonged grief processes and eventually complicated grief (CG). Complicated grief in a child’s life can affect his/her social and cognitive functioning manifesting in antisocial behaviours. This study aimed to determine the relationship between complicated grief and antisocial behaviours among children aged 10-13 years who had lost a loved one in selected public primary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. To achieve this goal, the study had four objectives namely; to determine the prevalence of complicated grief among children who had lost loved ones, to find out antisocial behaviours that are more prevalent among children with complicated grief, to determine the relationship between complicated grief and antisocial behaviours among children who had lost loved ones and to find out intervention measures that are used to support children with complicated grief. This study was guided by Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory and Attachment Theory. Multistage sampling, purposive sampling, inclusion, and exclusion criteria were used to select 259 pupils aged 10-13 years who had lost a loved one to participate in the study. Purposive sampling was also used to select 22 class teachers of the bereaved pupils who participated in the study. The study employed a convergent mixed-method design. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires (SDQ, ICG, and STAB) and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS Version 25.0. Qualitative data was gathered via interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. Pearson coefficient correlation was used to determine the relationship between complicated grief and antisocial behaviours while regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The findings were presented as tables, pie charts, and graphs. The findings indicated that the prevalence of complicated grief was 26.1% while the most prevalent antisocial behaviour was social aggression with an aggregated mean of 3.01. There was a positive relationship between complicated grief and antisocial behaviour with an R-value of 0.211. Regression analysis showed that there was a statistically significant relationship of 0.018 between complicated grief and antisocial behaviours. The most used intervention measure was counseling at 79.16%. However, the study found that only 3 out of 22 teachers were trained counselors. Therefore, the study recommends that the Ministry of Education introduce a school-based counseling program incorporating grief intervention techniquesItem Open Access Relationship Between Retirement Transition and Marital Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Selected Churches in Kiambu County, Kenya(PAC University, 2024-08-14) Sarah Wangare NjorogeRetirement transition has an impact on marital satisfaction among older couples as revealed in the increased rates of divorce among adults aged 50 years and above in the last two decades. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between retirement transition and marital satisfaction among married couples in selected churches in Kiambu County, Kenya. Correlation research design was used. The study was anchored on the 4’s of Schlossberg’s Transition theory and the Sound Relationship House of Gottman Couple theory. Stratified random sampling was employed for the selection of 297 retirees and those in retirement transition in Kiambu County. Data was collected using Process of Retirement Planning Scale (PRePS) and Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and chi-square techniques by aid of SPSS version 23. The study found that 62% of retirees classified their retirement as voluntary and 38% as involuntary. Gradual retirement was experienced by 47.9%, while 2.8% retired abruptly due to health issues. Post-retirement, 46.5% engaged in self-employment. Financial planning for retirement was moderately high (x̅=3.4107), self-efficacy (x̅=3.6218), and perceived social support (x̅=3.4405) were above average. Retirement planning anxiety was low (x̅=2.6748). Marital satisfaction was high for 75% of respondents. Most respondents (73%) retired before 60 years. Marital satisfaction was higher in voluntary retirements (78.1%) compared to involuntary (69.6%). Retirement perception significantly affected marital satisfaction (p<.05), explaining 31.5% of its variance. The results underscore the importance of retirement planning for achieving successful marriages. Steps should be taken to promote financial, social support, and self-efficacy to reducing anxiety to promote marital satisfaction. The practical implications of these findings are crucial for individuals, policymakers, and practitioners involved in retirement planning and support. Understanding the various forms of retirement transitions is essential for marriage and family therapists, policymakers and support services. Tailoring retirement support programs to accommodate this diversity can enhance their effectivenessItem Open Access Influence of the Family System on Male Juvenile Delinquency: A Case of Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Center Kiambu County - Kenya(PAC University, 2021-07-06) Onsando, EvansYouth are the greatest national asset that needs to be nurtured to enable them exploit their full potential. However, the rising cases of delinquent behavior among youth have brought the nurturing role of parents into sharp focus. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of two key features of the family system on male juvenile delinquency at the Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Center (KYCTC) within Kiambu County, with a view to establishing appropriate interventions that will minimize delinquency. The key features of the family system of interest to the study were the parenting styles deployed by the parent and the family structure in which the child is nurtured. To achieve this goal, the study had four objectives namely; establishing parenting styles associated with juvenile delinquency at KYCTC, the relationship between family structure and juvenile delinquency, the impact of parenting style and family structure on juvenile delinquency and appropriate parental and familial intervention measures that can reduce juvenile delinquency. The study was guided by Baumrind’s parenting styles theory and Family Systems theory. The study used purposive sampling method and simple random technique to select a sample of 68 males aged between 15 and 18 from a target population of 120 delinquents at the KYCTC. The study used the ex post facto design. In this design data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions (FGD) and self-administered questionnaire. Quantitative data collected through questionnaires was analyzed through descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 25.0 and qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed through thematic analysis. The finding of the study indicated that, authoritarian parenting style (42%) and permissive parenting style (29.4%) posed the greatest danger to the development of juvenile delinquency. On the other hand, authoritative parenting style (8.8%) posed the least danger to the development of juvenile delinquency. The family structure that was found to be ideal was the two parents’ family structure. Presentation of data was done through tables, graphs and thematic descriptions of respondent’s statements. The findings point to the critical role the family system plays in the development or prevention of juvenile delinquency. Family- centric interventions, strengthening of the parenting role, coordination with other key influencers including teachers, Government Departments such as the Children’s Department and the Kenya Prison Services, Rehabilitation Centers run by religious organizations and government rehabilitation programs such as KYCTC, can make a difference if each plays their critical role.Item Open Access ELDERLY PEOPLES’ PERCEPTION OF THEIR PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING: A CASE OF SELECTED MAINSTREAM CHURCHES IN AFFLUENT KAREN LANGATA NAIROBI, KENYA(PAC University, 2023-07-25) GACHURI, ESTHER WANGARIThe study purposed to explore the lived experiences of the elderly which influence their psychosocial wellbeing from selected churches in Karen-Langata, Nairobi. To achieve this goal, the study had five objectives, namely: - to explore the elderly peoples’ perception on their psychological wellbeing, to examine the elderly peoples’ perception of their social wellbeing, to investigate the perception of the elderly with reference to their subjective wellbeing, to assess the elderly peoples’ perception regarding their psychosocial wellbeing and to propose alternative policies to ameliorate the psychosocial wellbeing of this elderly population. Bowen’s Systems Theory and Eric Erickson’s theory of Human Development guided the study, which was based on a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. Purposeful sampling method was used to select 11 respondents for the in-depth interviews and 12 respondents in the focus group discussions (FGD’s). The population of the study was the category of the young-old who were 60-75 years. Pan Africa University (PAC) and NACOSTI gave the researcher permission to conduct the study. Data was collected using videotape recordings and field notes. Verbatim data was transcribed, and descriptive themes were generated to show individual perspectives. The findings of the study indicated that poor health and lack of health insurance, lack of money, death of a spouse, inheritance wrangles, children moving out of home, unfriendly neighbourhoods, cultural beliefs, loss of social networks impacted on the elderly people’s psychosocial wellbeing. The study recommends the church, National and County governments develop policies that can ameliorate the psychosocial wellbeing of the elderly and that mental health practitioners be made accessible to the elderly to help them mitigate their psychosocial wellbeing.Item Open Access Influence of Attachment Styles on Adolescents’ Psychosocial Development, Among Selected Secondary School Students from Blended Families in Kiambu County, Kenya(PAC University, 2022-05) GACHENIA, LUCYAttachment styles adopted by parents are essential in development of adolescent psychosocial wellbeing. This phenomenon is more profound in blended families where there are multiple relationships that can lead to many challenges. However, with appropriate attachment styles adopted by step parents such challenges can be mitigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of attachment styles on adolescents’ psychosocial development, among secondary school students from blended families in Kiambu County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to establish attachment styles adopted by parents of adolescents in blended family households and evaluate how these attachment styles influence the establishment of adolescents’ self-esteem, identity and autonomy development. The study adopted Bowlby (1969) attachment theory, a mixed method approach, mixed method design and pragmatic philosophical paradigm. The sampling method adopted was multi-stage and inclusive /exclusive criteria. Firstly, the study adopted survey method as the sampling technique because the total population of adolescents that came from blended families was unknown. Thereafter, simple random sampling was used to select 9 schools and also determine the 5 classes to be sampled in each of these schools. The 5 classes had a population of 55 students each. A short questionnaire with demographic data of students was issued to 2475 students in a bid to elicit the adolescents from the said classes, that came from blended families in the 9 schools. A total of 208 adolescents from blended families in the 9 schools was elicited and this was considered a sufficient sample size. In addition, simple random sampling was used to sample 24 respondents that formed 4 focus groups. Purposive sampling was used to sample 4 counselors from 9 schools for in-depth interview and the 4 focus groups. Data was collected using questionnaires, counselors’ interview schedule and focus group discussions. Standardized tools; Inventory for Parent and Peer Attachment Scale, Rosenberg Scale, Identity scale Inventory and Emotional Autonomy Scale were used as measuring tools. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, statistical assumption tests, correlation tests- T test, ANOVA and MANCOVA analysis while qualitative data was analyzed by use of narrative analysis. Findings were presented in form of graphs, pie charts and tables while interview data was presented in thematic form. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the National Council for Science and Technology and the Kiambu County Government. Ethical review authorization was sought from Daystar University Ethics Review Committee as well as a written informed consent from the school administration. Results indicated 2 categories of attachment styles adopted by step parents as; secure and insecure. In addition, these attachment styles influence the establishment of adolescent self- esteem, emotional autonomy and three identity styles namely information, commitment and diffuse avoidant but not normative identity style. The study results concluded that step parents should adopt secure attachment style which has characteristics of high communication and trust levels but minimal alienation, rather than insecure attachment that comprises of high levels of alienation, minimal communication and trust. The study findings could benefit government entities, Ministry of Education, counselors, parents, families and societyItem Open Access RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POST-DIVORCE PARENTAL ALIENATION AND ADOLESCENTS’ WELLBEING IN PUBLIC MIXED DAY HIGH SCHOOLS IN KIKUYU SUB COUNTY, KENYA(PACU, 2023-07-25) WANJAO, JANE NJANGOA home environment in which parents are mutually supportive, have nourishing relationships with their children and employ collaborative parenting is significant for adolescents in order for them to flourish. However, post-divorce parental alienation creates an unfavourable environment which may derange the adolescents from thriving. PDPA harms the cognitive, social and behavioural domains of most adolescents and this threatens their wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parental alienation and adolescents’ wellbeing. The study was guided by four objectives namely: to determine the parental alienation strategies among adolescents in Kikuyu Sub County public mixed day high schools, Kenya, to investigate the relationship between parental alienation and adolescents’ inter-personal relationships, to examine the relationship between parental alienation and adolescents’ sense of accomplishment and to establish the relationship between parental alienation and adolescents meaning in adolescents in kikuyu Sub County public mixed day high schools in Kiambu County. PERMA Wellbeing Theory of Flourishing guided this study. PERMA is the acronym for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment the five pillars of wellbeing proposed my Seligman (2011) The study employed a descriptive survey design using mixed methods approach. Multistage sampling and inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to arrive at the 240 respondents who participated in the study. Purposive sampling was employed in the selection of 32 respondents in the Focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative data was gathered via the use of focus group discussions and analysed through thematic analysis. Quantitative data was collected using Baker Strategy Questionnaire (BSQ) and the PERMA-Profiler. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, while Spearman Correlation analysis was used to test for the hypotheses. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was computed to determine the relationship between the parental alienation (IV) and adolescents’ interpersonal score. Overall positive correlation between adolescent’s wellbeing and parental alienation r (240) = .0.719, p =.002., parental alienation had impact of r(240) = .0.719, p = .003 towards relationships, accomplishment at 0.409, p = .040, meaning at 0.565, p = .041.Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The Pearson correlation test revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between post-divorce parental alienation and adolescents’ interpersonal relationship, sense of accomplishment and meaning. The study recommends that intercession measures be implemented in consideration of factors such as: creating awareness on the critical role played by mutually supportive interactions as well as collaborative parenting in the enrichment of adolescents’ wellbeing, coordination of key stake holders like children attorneys, marriage and family therapists as well as the ministry of education.Item Open Access The Relationship between Precocious Puberty and Psychosocial functioning: A Case of Pre Adolescent girls in selected Primary Schools in Kiambu County(PAC University, 2023-01-11) Julius, Catherine KawiraPubertal maturation is a dynamic biopsychosocial-emotional process that presents a myriad of challenges to most girls, even when it occurs at normal timelines. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of precocious puberty, and then determine its relationship with the psychosocial functioning of preadolescent girls in primary schools in Kiambu County. The study applied the descriptive correlational and comparative research designs and was guided by the psychosocial theory of development. A total of 442, 11 and 12 year old girls, and 12 female class teachers from 13 schools participated in the study. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and structured interviews. The instruments were pilot-tested on 36, 11 and 12 year old girls and 3 class teachers from 3 schools within Kiambu County, who were omitted from the actual study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 25) was used to generate frequency distributions, regression models and Chi square tests for the quantitative data and the results were presented using tables. The qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Key themes were identified, described and analysed using Nvivo version 12. The results were presented using thematic descriptions based on the predefined framework from the study objectives. This study found that 178 (40.4%) girls had precocious puberty, indicating that the prevalence was relatively high. Further, this study found that precocious puberty significantly affected the psychosocial functioning, and that diet influenced both the onset of precocious puberty and the psychosocial functioning of the preadolescent girls in schools in Kiambu County. It is hoped that these findings will enable parents, teachers and policy makers to put in place measures such as diet control psychoeducation, and provision of menstrual hygiene materials in order to better care for the early maturing girls.Item Open Access INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE AND ETHNICITY ON MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG COUPLES IN INTERCULTURAL MARRIAGES IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA(2023-07-25) CHOMBA, ZIPPORAH NDUTAMarital Satisfaction is fundamental in sustaining a marriage. Conversely, couples in intercultural marriages experience unique challenges that influence their marital satisfaction (MS), for instance, language and ethnicity among many others. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of language and ethnicity on MS among couples in intercultural marriages in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was guided by four specific objectives. These were; to determine the level of MS, to find out the influence of language on couples’ MS, to find out the influence of ethnicity on couples’ MS and to determine the mitigating measures for the influence of language and ethnicity on MS among couples in intercultural marriages in Kiambu County, Kenya. The theories guiding the study were the Bowen Family System Theory and the Cognitive Behavioral Theory. The study used mixed methods research design. The target population of the study was 11,028 individuals in intercultural marriages with a sample size of 99 participants, who were statistically determined. Quota sampling and Snowball sampling procedures were used to collect data from 67 participants in Kikuyu urban and 32 respondents in Limuru urban. Data collection methods involved adapting some relevant items from The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32), The Five Love Languages Test (FLL) and Multiple Heritage Couple Questionnaire (MHCQ). Reviewing and comparing literature on similar studies was essential to improve validity of the instrument. Further, vigorous continued consultations with professional psychology supervisors augmented instrument validity. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was applied to determine the reliability of the instrument. The scale on MS had a Cronbach’s Alpha score of 0.828, language had 0.835 and ethnicity had 0.783, implying that the items met the threshold 0.7 internal consistency reliability. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics involving measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Inferential statistics involved linear and multiple regression computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The quantitative finding of the study showed that majority (76.8%) of the participants had high levels of MS. The regression model revealed that language had a direct positive contribution (adjusted r2 =0.69) on MS. The study established that language had a positive, significant influence on MS(β=0.872, p=0.000). Ethnicity had a direct positive contribution (adjusted r2 = .033) on MS. The study revealed that ethnicity had a positive significant influence on MS (β=0.402, p=0.040). Qualitative findings supported quantitative findings as majority (76.8%) of respondents were satisfied with their marriages. Respondents descriptions showed that language and ethnicity played a big role to influence MS. The study is valuable to researchers for further studies on related field. It is beneficial to professionals in mental health practice, churches and religious organizations involved in marriage and family dynamics, individual families and couples with relevant information for effective marital engagement. The study recommends policy makers to develop a strategy that increases awareness of the significance of mental health services. The study further recommends that mental health professionals conduct further research on the influence of varied cultural influences on marriages including language and ethnicity to enhance comprehensive information and understanding.Item Open Access UNDERNEATH THE NARRATIVES: CONSEQUENCES OF INCARCERATION ON NON-INCARCERATED PARTNERS OF INMATES AT AGODI-IBADAN MEDIUM CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, NIGERIA(2023-07-25) ADETUNJI, CHRISTIAN MATTHEWThe purpose of this study was to investigate the consequences of incarceration on non incarcerated partners, guided by the Satir Growth Model's personal iceberg concept, using hermeneutic phenomenology methodologies. The researcher investigated the specific effects of the personal iceberg on non-incarcerated partners of offenders at Nigeria's Agodi-Ibadan medium correctional facility, where ten female partners were purposefully recruited and participated in semi-structured, one-on-one interviews as well as two focus group interviews. The themes utilised Martin Heidegger's interpretative, inductive, and reflexive thematic analysis through the application of Larkin et al.'s (2021) six-step analysis approach. This guided the identification, analysis, and interpretation. The outcomes of the study objectives were presented in figures and tables. The study findings revealed that the non-incarcerated partners of inmates at the Agodi Ibadan medium correctional facility's personal iceberg (i.e., feelings, perceptions, expectations, yearnings, and self) were the underlying factors responsible for the amplified social and economic dynamics, impaired relationships, difficult co-parenting, and health impediments rather than the incarceration itself. In order to minimise the effects, the study presents recommendations for policymakers, professionals, community leaders, and religious leaders to develop relationships between non-incarcerated partners, their incarcerated counterparts, and members of society.Item Open Access RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY VIOLENCE AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: A CASE OF GIRLS AT KIRIGITI REHABILITATION AND TRAINING CENTRE, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA(2023-07-25) GICHARU, EMMANUEL GITONGAJuvenile delinquency, which has partly been attributed to family violence, has been on the increase all over the world. This research sought to find out the relationship between familyviolence and juvenile delinquency among girls at Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation and Training Centre (KGRTC), Kiambu County, Kenya. The study's objectives were to: find out the prevalence of family violence among girls committed at KGRTC, establish the relationship between physical abuse and juvenile delinquency, examine the relationship between psychological abuse and juvenile delinquency, assess the relationship between sexual abuse and juvenile delinquency, and identify intervention strategies that can be employed to reduce juvenile delinquency among girls in KGRTC, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was conceptualized by Attachment Theory. The study used an ex-post facto research design that combined both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The population of the study comprised of 61 girl child offenders, 6 teachers and instructors, 4 children’s officers, and one manager all totaling to 72 respondents at KGRTC. The research used a census inquiry that included all the 61 girl delinquents. Purposive sampling was used to select the manager, children’s officers, and teachers from the KGRTC. Questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data for the study. The validity of the tools was established with the assistance of specialists from Pan Africa Christian University, while reliability was determined using Cronbach Coefficient Alpha through data collected in a pilot study that was conducted at the Kamae Girls Borstal Institution. A reliability coefficient of 0.855 was attained which was considered an appropriate threshold. The quantitative data was analyzed by means of inferential and descriptive statistics with the assistance of the computer software, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. The qualitative data was analyzed using themes developed from the study's objectives. The study established that psychological abuse was the most prevalent with a global mean score (�=2.78), followed by sexual abuse with a global mean score (�̅=2.16), and the least prevalent was physical abuse with a global mean score (�̅=2.10). The study further revealed an existence of a positive correlation between the physical abuse and juvenile delinquency (r=.647, n=58, p < .01); a strong, positive correlation between the psychological abuse and juvenile delinquency variables (r =.696, n=57, p < .01); and a strong, positive correlation between sexual abuse and juvenile delinquency (r =.708, n = 59, p < .01). The study computed a regression analysis between the dependent and independent variables so as to establish the contribution of every one of the three independent variables (i.e., psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse) on the dependent variable (i.e., juvenile delinquency). It was established that the two independent variables, psychological (p-value=.025) and sexual abuse (p-value = .000) were significant contributors to juvenile delinquency. The implications of this research suggest the need to invest heavily in psychotherapy and treatment of the girls’ inner hurts and childhood trauma as well as identifying appropriate methods of parenting for the girl child. These study outcomes imply that Attachment Theory may serve as an effective guiding principle for studying juvenile delinquency. This study identifies areas where difficulties exist with regard to juvenile delinquency among girls and suggests benefits for the treatment of girls from a systemic and multidimensional dimension.Item Open Access PSYCHO-SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF DIVORCEES IN RELATION TO CHURCH POLICY ON DIVORCE IN SELECTED EVANGELICAL CHURCHES IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA(2023-07-25) CHEBBET, MARTHA TERIKI J.The spirit and purpose of Church policy on divorce should lead affected parties towards reconciliation and fellowship with God and man, and guide the Church to conduct itself towards divorcees with Christ likeness. Yet, divorcees continue to experience social stigma even in the church, with potentially adverse implications on their psychosocial wellbeing. This study examined divorcees’ mental, social and spiritual well-being in relation to Church policy on divorce in selected Evangelical Churches in Nakuru County. The study also assessed whether the relationship between Church’s policy on divorce and well-being is mediated by stigma of divorce and moderated by coping style. The bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model was used as an all-encompassing theoretical lens for the study, with social well-being theory serving as a supplementary theory. Pragmatist philosophy, which adopts a mix-methods research design, was used. The target population was divorcees who were members of evangelical churches found across the 11 Sub-Counties of Nakuru County. A snowball sample of 121 divorcees were recruited as participants. A semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview guide were used. The instruments were pre-tested on 10 respondents in an Evangelical Church in Kiambu County and found to be valid and reliable (a>0.7). Quantitative data was analysed using linear regression technique in SPSS version 23 while qualitative data was analysed using thematic technique. Ethical clearance was obtained from PAC University’s Scientific Ethical Review Committee. Results showed that Church policy on divorce had no statistically significant influence on the divorcees’ psychosocial well-being (R2 = 0.16, p>.05). However, stigma had a negative and statistically significant influence on divorcee psychosocial wellbeing (r= -.255, p<.05) but did not significantly mediate the relationship between church policy on divorce and wellbeing of divorcees (B=-.230, t = -1.326, p=.188). Coping style also did not significantly moderate the relationship between church policy on divorce and wellbeing of divorcees being (r =.151, p>.05). Thematic analysis showed that the rigorist standpoint and the legislative perspectives were the most salient themes underpinning Church policy on divorce. Church leaders should therefore consider taking counselling courses or participating in counselling seminars to equip them to better minister to the divorced members in church.