The Influence of Self-Discipline on Forms of Anger Expression among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Ruiru Sub County, Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2024-10-07
Authors
Gicharu, Mercy Wairimu
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
PAC University
Abstract
Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome personal weaknesses. On the other hand, how one deals with the feeling of anger by either bottling it up, physically or verbally venting it out, or expressing it with respect to other people’s rights is referred to as anger expression. Globally, adolescents have been reported to have higher rates of negative anger expression and low self-discipline. In Kenya, burning of schools by adolescents has been a common way of venting out anger which is a result of indiscipline. Therefore, this study focused on assessing the influence of self-discipline on anger expression among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Ruiru Sub-county Kiambu County Kenya. The study aimed to assess the social demographics of adolescents, evaluate their levels of self-discipline, examine their forms of anger expression, analyze gender differences in anger expression, and explore the relationship between self-discipline and anger expression among adolescents. Cognitive behavioral theory and attachment theories were employed to determine effect of self-discipline, parental attachment in effect to adolescents’ anger expression. The research adopted cross-sectional convergent mixed method research design. Using a random number generator, 3 public secondary schools were selected, that is Ruiru Girls, Ruiru Boys and Uhuru Kenyatta Secondary School, and 424 students sampled using stratified random sampling. A self-reported structured questionnaire was used that consisted of: socio-demographic questions, adolescent attachment to parent’s questionnaire, anger expression scale and personal self-discipline survey. Qualitative data through Key Informant Interviews were gathered from a total of 15 teachers, with 5 teachers selected from each school. These interviews sought to capture the teachers' perspectives on self-discipline and anger expression among the adolescents. Ethical approval was obtained from PAC University, NACOSTI, Ministry of Education in Ruiru Sub County and secondary school principals. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 26 which entailed descriptive statistics and Spearman rho correlation. Qualitative information was coded and themes derived. Data was presented in the form of tables, graphs, pie charts and conclusions drawn. The average age was 16.61±1.37 years with males being 54.5%. Slightly more than half, that is, 52.6%, lived with both parents. Students who reported that their parents were not frequently involved with their school activities were 31.6%. The overall score of adolescent’s attachment to parents was 3.64±0.48, indicating moderate attachment. The mean personal self-discipline score was 3.69±0.46, which meant that the adolescents were somewhat disciplined. Only 47% completed school assignments on time. Based on anger expression scale, anger-out scored the least (2.19±0.46), followed by anger in (2.32±0.51) and highest score was anger control 2.59±0.72 showing that the adolescents controlled their anger frequently. It was seen that 24% stroked out when angry at whatever infuriates them. In regards to gender difference, 20% females unlike 24% males were often aggressive. However, external factors such as institutions or fear of authority had greater influence than gender. There was a negative significant relationship between self-discipline and anger expression (r=-0.189, p<0.01) indicating high self-discipline is associated with low anger expression. Based on qualitative data, teachers indicated that strengthening guidance and counseling, life skills programs and favorable accommodative environments will enable students to have high self-discipline and express their anger assertively. Regular assessment of the students’ psychosocial state and personality inclinations is one of the recommendations the study suggests to improve the students’ anger expressions. This study will benefit families and schools in informing the need for self-discipline as a tool to enhance proper anger expression in adolescents.