Impact of Family Instability on Teenagers ‘Self-Concept and Development of Friendships: A Case of Ruai, Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2017-10
Authors
Onsando, Evans
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Publisher
Pan Africa Christian University
Abstract
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.
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Keywords
Family Stability and Development of Peer Friendships,Family Instability and Self-Concept,Attachment and Development of Self-Concept and Peer Relation
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