Masters Of Arts In Counseling Psychology

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Assessment of Impact of a Hope-Building Intervention on Flourishing among Undergraduate University Students in Karen W, Lang’ata Constituency, Nairobi County.
(Tangaza University College, 2022-10-11) Churu, Beatrice W. E.
There is increasing recognition of the need for sustainable character formation of youth in Kenya, towards promoting better mental health outcomes. This study aims at contributing in character formation and improved mental health—by assessing the impact of an intervention of the character strength of hope among the participants towards ameliorating their level of flourishing. The study is carried out among young university students in Karen Ward of Lang’ata Constituency, Nairobi County. Pre- and post-intervention tests using the Adult Hope Scale (AHS) of Snyder and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) of Corey Keyes were administered to a group of students in each of two Universities (N= 190)—one became the control and the other the intervention. Between the pre-test and post-test, the intervention group was administered a six session hope-building intervention in the context of group counselling. Through a Pearson coefficient (r) analysis carried out on the combined pre-test data of the two groups, a significant positive correlation (.569) between levels of hope and of flourishing was established. A Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (R-MANOVA) carried out on the pre-test and post test data on hope and flourishing showed improvement for both variables in both groups. The difference in the extent of change is considerable with the control group positive difference at a mean of 0.63 and 5.28, compared to the intervention group mean difference of 7.28 and 12.43 for hope and flourishing respectively. Simple linear regression analysis a small but statistically significant influence of the intervention on flourishing levels (F = 10.9, p < .05), and gives a significant .314 or 31% influence of the raised level of hope on the raised level of flourishing. This impact of the intervention implies that character development can fruitfully be mainstreamed in the accompaniment of university students towards optimum flourishing outcomes.
Association between Fathers’ Involvement and Children’s Marriage Outcome Among Church-Going Couples in Westlands Constituency, Nairobi County-Kenya
(Tangaza University College, 2021-09-11) Maina, Stella W.
The role that a father plays is crucial in the development of a child’s emotions, cognition and social adjustment and research has been done on the impact that fathers involvement has on a child’s development right from infancy through adolescence and into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between father involvement and their children’s marriage outcome. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the level of fathers’ involvement among individuals; to establish the effect the involvement of fathers has on marriage relationships; and to investigate the relationship between father involvement and demographic factors. The study was based on the Attachment Theory as well as the Theory of Psychoanalysis. This study employed the survey research design among married individuals both male and female from Westlands Constituency in Nairobi County who were above eighteen years of age. The data was collected using questionnaires from 384 participants using simple random sampling. The completed questionnaires were then analysed by the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby the descriptive statistics were analyzed using frequencies and percentages while the inferential statistics were analyzed by use of the Pearson correlation coefficient. The study found out that there was low father involvement among the respondents that participated in the study. Father involvement was also found to have a statistically significant negative effect on marriage relationship outcomes (r= -0.312 at a p-value of 0.000). Moreover, the study found out that father involvement had a statistically significant positive relationship with age (r=0.127; p<0.05), gender (r=0.294; p<0.05), education (r=0.603; p<0.05), and marital status (r=0.592; p<0.05); but a statistically significant negative relationship with the number of years married (r=-0.232; p<0.05) and type of father figure (r=-0.270; p<0.05). The study recommends that a similar study be conducted to determine why marriage relationship satisfaction is low in cases where biological father figures are present in the children’s lives.
Association between Intrinsic Motivation And Academic Performance among Technical Vocational Education and Training Students In Two Faith Based TVET, In Nairobi and Nakuru
(Tangaza University College, 2016-08) Tarnongu, Biin Godwin
There is a fallacious but commonly held belief that Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a field for academically inadequate students who need skills for employment. This negative perception could serve as a discouragement to TVET students. However, these students remain committed to attending TVET institutions up to graduation, which suggests that something motivates them. Studies have shown that, intrinsic motivation commits students to learning. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to establish whether intrinsic motivation is a driving force in the academic performance of TVET students. The study reviewed literature related to intrinsic motivation in learning, and the negative attitudes society has towards the TVET system of education. The study used cross sectional research design. As such, Mwangaza College, Nakuru, and Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute, Nairobi, were conveniently sampled. 182 respondents in Nairobi, and 166 respondents in Nakuru were randomly sampled (155 females and 193 males). The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, with a demographic section, was used to collect data. Descriptive analysis of Intrinsic Motivation Scores across the Sampled Institutions showed that the overall average level of intrinsic motivation among TVET students was high (104.53/126). However, result from a one way ANOVA found no link between intrinsic motivation and academic performance. Students with B had the highest intrinsic motivation (M=105.6, SD=11.5), and students with D had nearly the same intrinsic motivation (M=102.0, SD=15.5) with B students. This result suggests that high academic performance could be a blend of intrinsic motivation and other factors not tested by this study.
Association Between Purpose in Life, Depression and Anxiety Among Youth During the Covid 19 Pandemic in Kibra Constituency, Nairobi County
(Tangaza University College, 2022-09-11) Mutune, David Sila
Low levels of purpose in life are leading causes of depression and anxiety among the youth during covid-19 pandemic in Kenya since March 2019. This study analysed the association between purpose in life, depression, and anxiety in the period 2019-2021. The study collected primary data from a sample of 380 youth in Kibra Constituency, Nairobi County. The sample size per ward was arrived at through proportionate sampling technique. The study used Purpose in Life Test to measure levels of purpose in life and the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess the level of depression and anxiety. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were carried out using SPSS. The finding showed that participants had 89.3% low, 4.0% moderate, 6.7 severe anxiety while, on the hand, 53.6% had severe, 11.7% moderate, 34.7% mild depression. The finding also showed that Female were more depressed at 36.8% than male 28.5%. Furthermore, the study found that respondents had 77.1% low levels and 22.9% high levels of purpose in life. Depression and anxiety combined the participants had 60.8% low, 25.1% moderate and 14.1% severe. The outcome of this study recommends that the Ministries of Education and Health need to initiate policies on mental health intervention as mandatory for Kenyan urban slums to counter the negative influence on psychological health. The findings from this study can be useful to psychologists, psychotherapists and counselors to create more awareness of purpose in life among the youth.
Association between Religiosity and Psychological Wellbeing Mediated by Religious Commitment among Members of Catholic Religious Orders in Nairobi County
(Tangaza University College, 2018-08) Kaivu, Winfred
Religiosity and Psychological Wellbeing have been widely researched in scientific studies. However, there is limitation of research between intrinsic/extrinsic religiosity and psychological wellbeing mediated by religious commitment among Members of Catholic Religious Orders in Nairobi, Kenya. Therefore, the present study analyzed the association between religiosity and psychological wellbeing mediated by religious commitment in a sample of 282 members of Catholic Religious Orders in Nairobi, aged between 25-60 years. New Indices of Religious Orientation Revised (NIROR), Religious Commitment Inventory and Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scales were used to this aim. A causal comparative, cross-sectional study design was used to explore the effects of variables in a non-experimental setting. To achieve the objectives, descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the data. In addition, the study examined the impact of demographic variables of age, gender, level of education and years of religious profession on Psychological Wellbeing of members of Catholic Religious Orders. The study revealed that years in the Catholic Religious Order played an important role in influencing the relationship between Religiosity and Psychological Wellbeing. Participants in Catholic Religious Orders who had over 10 years had better Psychological Wellbeing than those who had been in the Catholic Religious Order for less than 10 years. The results of Pearson’s correlation showed positive significant association between intrinsic religiosity and psychological wellbeing and negative significant association between extrinsic religiosity and psychological wellbeing. The study also found out that religious commitment had significant influence to the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and psychological wellbeing but no significant influence on the relationship between extrinsic religiosity and psychological wellbeing. This means that members of Catholic Religious Orders with intrinsic religious orientation had significantly reduced psychological wellbeing compared those who had extrinsic religious orientation when exposed to much religious commitment. Lastly, to explore how members of Catholic Religious Orders could improve their religious commitment and psychological wellbeing, 3 focus groups consisting 8 participants each were conducted. The qualitative study showed that in order to promote psychological wellbeing, the leaders of Catholic Religious Orders have to come up with formative programs which can help the members to become intrinsically oriented for the sake of those who may be struggling with low psychological wellbeing.
Association between Self-Esteem and Happiness among Tangaza University College Student: A Comparative Study between the Lay and Religious
(Tangaza University College, 2018-09) Kariuki, Rosemary N.
The study explored self-esteem and happiness among the students from Tangaza University College Nairobi-Kenya. The study adopted a quantitative method, and used a crosssectional design. It targeted Religious and lay students in Tangaza University College. A systematic random sampling technique was used and a sample size of 298 students was gotten for the study. The Rosenberg Self-worth Scale, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire by Hills and Argyle were the instruments of measure used to collect data. The data collected was cleaned, coded and analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis (Cronbach’s α, Pearson’s r, regression, t-test and ANOVA) with the statistical package for social sciences version 21. The results of the study showed that there are high levels of self-worth and happiness among the respondents. Demographic variables such as gender, age, educational level and religious background had no influence on self-worth and happiness among the participants. However, residential location had an effect on happiness of the participants. Religious students had higher scores in self-worth and happiness compared to their lay counterparts with t(296) = -3.171, p = .002, less than (p < .05) on self-worth and t(296) = -2.096, p = .037, on happiness. Lastly, the study shows that selfworth is not associated with happiness with Pearson’s r = .061, and p=.298). The importance of the study findings and limitations were discussed and suggestions for future research and the application of the findings of this study into the life of the target group for better self-worth and happiness.
Association between Work Engagement and Dimensions of Burnout among Catholic Priests in Durban Metro, South Africa
(Tangaza University College, 2017-09) Vukani, Johannes Phoseka
The present study focused on the association between work engagement and burnout. Previous studies suggest that work engagement and burnout have a negative correlation. This implies that they cannot exist in an individual at the same time. Whereas most of the research on the association between work engagement and burnout has been done in other parts of the globe, little has been done in the African context and has focused on other populations apart from priests. In this light, the study sought to examine the association between work engagement and dimensions of burnout among Catholic priests in Durban Metro, South Africa. Despite the fact that priests in this context seem to manifest a certain commitment and satisfaction in their work, they also seem to be overwhelmed by its demands. A mixed method design was used and data collected from 191 priests. Findings revealed significant levels of both work engagement and dimensions of burnout which implies that they experience both burnout and work engagement concurrently. The study serves to sensetise priests on the fact that the positive experience of work engagement can be compromised by the negative experience of burnout, and consequently lead to negative implications on their ministry. Persons who have direct and indirect relation with priests, such as Bishops and religious superiors as well as the beneficiaries of priestly service, can learn from the study that priests are human beings who need both moral and material support in order to sustain a positive experience of work.
Association between Work Engagement and Dimensions of Burnout among Catholic Priests in Durban Metro, South Africa
(Tangaza University College, 2017-09) Phoseka, Vukani Johannes
The present study focused on the association between work engagement and burnout. Previous studies suggest that work engagement and burnout have a negative correlation. This implies that they cannot exist in an individual at the same time. Whereas most of the research on the association between work engagement and burnout has been done in other parts of the globe, little has been done in the African context and has focused on other populations apart from priests. In this light, the study sought to examine the association between work engagement and dimensions of burnout among Catholic priests in Durban Metro, South Africa. Despite the fact that priests in this context seem to manifest a certain commitment and satisfaction in their work, they also seem to be overwhelmed by its demands. A mixed method design was used and data collected from 191 priests. Findings revealed significant levels of both work engagement and dimensions of burnout which implies that they experience both burnout and work engagement concurrently. The study serves to sensetise priests on the fact that the positive experience of work engagement can be compromised by the negative experience of burnout, and consequently lead to negative implications on their ministry. Persons who have direct and indirect relation with priests, such as Bishops and religious superiors as well as the beneficiaries of priestly service, can learn from the study that priests are human beings who need both moral and material support in order to sustain a positive experience of work.
CORRELATION BETWEEN PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MATHIRA SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Tangaza University, 2023-08) Agnes Wakonyu Nyamu
Although many studies across the world and in Kenya has focused on the elderly, limited research has given attention to the correlation between psychosocial support and loneliness in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between psychosocial support and loneliness among older adults in Mathira West sub-County, Kenya. Adults aged 55 and above who live in Mathira West sub-county in Kenya formed the target population. Cross-sectional research design was be adopted. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 328 participants. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and UCLA Loneliness Scale were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentage, and logistic regression were calculated. Results indicate that the prevalence of moderate loneliness was at 27.4% and clinical loneliness at 14.4%. The risk factors for loneliness are being aged 66 and above, living alone, being single, being widowed or separated, and being a male. Also, findings indicate that the psychosocial support and loneliness are correlated. The findings of this study will inform policy formulation and planning in Nyeri County with regards to psychosocial support of the older adults.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND DEPRESSION AMONG POORLY PERFORMING STUDENTS OF AFRICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY, KENYA.
(Tangaza University College, 2022-10-11) ELUM, AFEN INNOCENT
Education enhances edification of human knowledge and societal development. Good academic performance becomes very crucial for university students to attain knowledge that can be used for oneself and for the good of the human society. This research investigated the correlation between self-esteem and depression among poorly performing students of Africa Nazarene University, Kenya. The participants of the study were 335 undergraduate male and female students. The study employed Systematic Random sampling, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale and BDI-II for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS and presented in summary tables. Pearson’s (r) coefficient was used to examine the relationship between self-esteem and depression. Findings showed that 49.5% of the participants were average in their self-esteem, 43.2% came under high self-esteem, and 7.8% were in low self-esteem. Gender revealed females had high self-esteem, and the males had average self-esteem. On depression, 52.8% were in mild mood disturbance (no depression), 10.5% had borderline clinical depression, 15.6% had moderate depression, 8.1% had severe depression, and 13.5% showed extreme depression. Gender revealed that females had borderline clinical depression, and the males had mild mood disturbance (no depression). The study established that there was a significant positive correlation (r = .420; p =.000) between self esteem and depression among poorly performing students of Africa Nazarene University,
Establishing the Relationship between Mental Wellbeing and Job Satisfaction among Primary School Teachers in Kibera Educational Sub-County, Nairobi
(Tangaza University, 2023-05) GHISLAIN KAMBALE
Mental wellbeing and job satisfaction are fundamental for the emotional, psychological, intellectual and social development of teachers. This study investigated the relationship between mental wellbeing and job satisfaction among primary school teachers in Kibera Educational Sub-County, Nairobi. To attain this purpose, the study was based on five objectives and three hypotheses. The first objective was to determine the level of mental wellbeing among primary school teachers. The second objective was to examine the level of job satisfaction among primary school teachers. The third objective was to assess the association between mental wellbeing and demographic characteristics among primary school teachers. The forth objective was to assess the association between job satisfaction and demographic characteristics among primary school teachers. The fifth objective was to establish the relationship between mental wellbeing and job satisfaction among primary school teachers in Kibera educational sub-county. The study used a correlational design. The population of the study included 882 teachers. The multistage sampling method was used to proportionately select 265 male and female participants in the study. Two standardized scales were used for data collection. The analysis of data was done using the descriptive and inferential statistics through the SPSS version 25. Primary school teachers in the area of the study reported a high level of psychological wellbeing 72.5% (N = 265) and a high level of job satisfaction 66.0% (N = 265). The results revealed as well that there was no significant relationship between mental wellbeing and demographic characteristic of respondents, ANOVA was significant at F = 1.212 p = .326. The results indicated further, that there was no significant relationship between job satisfaction and age, marital status, teaching experience and gender of respondents, ANOVA was significant at F = 1.567, p = .215. However, the study showed a significant difference between job satisfaction and highest education attained by respondents, F = 4.385, p = .005. Finally, the results of the study revealed a positive and significant correlation (r = .357, p < .001) between psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction among primary school teachers in Kibera educational sub-county. The study recommended that primary school teachers should attend counseling sessions to enable them raise their level of mental wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Experiences of Menopause on Sexual Intimacy and Coping Strategies Used Among Karen Married Women
(Tangaza University College, 2016-05) Gunyanyi, Janet Ogada
Menopause is a natural occurrence that every woman experiences when the finite numbers of ovarian follicles are diminished as a result of reduced levels of reproductive hormones. The reduction in reproductive hormones may be mild in some women and present with no challenges, while in others it may be severe and present with sexual difficulties which may warrant coping strategies in order to alleviate the difficulties. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of menopause on women’s sexual intimacy and coping strategies used by Karen married women. Exploratory qualitative research design was used. Exploratory design is used when little is known about a phenomenon. The total number of participants who took part in the study was 12 women, aged 45 to 65 years. The objectives of the study were: to explore the experiences of married women during menopause; particularly on their experiences of sexual intimacy; and to determine coping strategies women use in managing their experiences of menopause. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. The results of the study showed that a majority of the women experienced hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, menstrual changes, irritability and mood swings. The findings also indicated that experiences of menopause impacted on the sexual satisfaction of the women, with a majority reporting lack of sexual desire, reduced sexual desire, lack of sexual interest, lack of sexual arousal and reduced sexual arousal, with a minority reporting having no sexual difficulties. A few of the women reported having spousal relationship difficulties due to lack of sexual interest. The results also indicated that the women used exercise therapy, conventional treatment, change of diet, change of dressing, social support, humour, spiritual intervention and doing nothing to manage their experiences. The findings of this study if published will enhance knowledge on experiences of menopause and its influence on sexual intimacy, particularly among Kenyan women. It is hoped that these findings will add to building up a body of knowledge regarding women’s experiences of menopause including possible ways of handling its inception and sustainability throughout life. In this way, this study has been informative to both women as a whole, for counselors, and medical practitioners who may work with women in solving issues related to menopause.
Exploration of Discordant Couples Challenges and Coping Mechanisms: A Case of Rural Kiambu County, Kenya
(2018-08) Gacheru, Mary Wanjiku
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a health challenge to many nations. Different patterns of HIV infections have emerged where there are couples living together but have different HIV status, one partner is HIV positive while the other one is negative. Discordance can cause challenges in a couple relationship. HIV discordance is poorly understood among couples and the existing literature has not sufficiently addressed the challenges and coping mechanisms in the rural Kenyan context. Therefore this study sought to establish the challenges and the coping mechanisms of discordant couples in rural Kiambu County, Kenya. A sample of 30individuals living in a discordant relationship was purposively sampled for data collection. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to collect data from the discordant couples. The study found out that the discordant couples in rural Kiambu County experience negative emotions such as fear of transmission, anxiety, stress, worry, hatred, hopelessness, stigma and discrimination, blame and guilt among others. These negative emotions affect their couple relationship in a variety of ways including sexual distancing, lack of interest in sex among others. Relationship challenges are experienced from the couple as a dyad and from outside. Challenges such as reproduction, domestic violence and separation affect the relationship. The effects are manifested in such ways as family sizes, communication and good use of preventive methods. The study also found out that couples have different ways of coping like good use of condoms, good adherence to ART and PrEP, couple counselling and good communication. Besides getting free medication and condoms from the government through health facilities, individual couples have also devised their own coping mechanisms such as assertiveness, religion and networks with other discordant couples. For discordant couples in this County to live holistically, the study recommends that the County and National governments should increase funding to address HIV/AIDS related issues. The funds channeled through National AIDS Control Council (NACC) will facilitate the hire of more counsellors and social workers so that the needs of discordant couples can be met through counselling, social support and awareness of discordance among the general population.
Exploration of Perceptions and Emotional Challenges Experienced by Pastors’ Children: A Case of the Church of the Nazarene in Nairobi, Kenya
(Tangaza University, 2024-08) BUSISIWE NDLOVU-BHEBHE
Many studies have been done with a keen interest in pastors’ children as they were always in the public display. This study aimed to explore the perceived perceptions of pastors’ children from their congregations and the emotional challenges experienced, a case in the Church of the Nazarene in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: Explore the perceptions and emotional challenges experienced by the pastors’ children in the Church of the Nazarene in Nairobi County, Kenya; assess coping mechanisms applied by pastors’ children in dealing with perceptions and emotional challenges they experience in the Church of the Nazarene, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study employed a qualitative research method and a purposive sampling method. In-depth Interviews was employed for data collection. Participants were drawn from Ongata Rongai First Church and Africa Nazarene University Church. The sample size of the study consisted of 18 participants. Data collection was done using audio recording, and transcribing was done using an App: Live Transcribe and Notification. The research findings confirmed that the congregation had high expectations from pastors’ children than their peers in the church. Pastors’ children were expected to be perfect and be role models. While the expectation posed anxiety and resentments from most of the participants, some felt that this expectation helped them to learn some leadership roles at an early stage. This study recommended that the church leadership develop comprehensive educational programmes for the congregation to help them understood that pastors’ children need to be allowed to go through developmental stages like other children.
An Exploratory Study on the Psychological Experiences of Families of People Living with Schizophrenia under Forensic Care at Mathari Hospital, Nairobi County Kenya
(Tangaza University College, 2021-09-11) Anyango, Lilian
Relation members of PLWSUFC (PLWSUFC) find themselves in a multifaceted situation due to the dual nature of carrying out compassionate actions in involuntary care circumstance. Families are considered important in increasing the patients’ chances of living a well-functioning life after discharge from psychiatric facilities. In Kenya, scanty evidence exists on exploration of the psychological Involment of such families facing a paradox. This study aimed at exploring the psychological involvements of families with a relative under criminological care having committed a crime under the influence of schizophrenia. The study was led by the Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. It used a qualitative approach to elicit the subjective views of 14 participants in face to face interviews. Through purposive sampling, a sample size of 14 participants was recruited. Three main open-ended questions were asked during the semi-structured in-depth interviews and recorded. The audio recorded interviews were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Themes emerging from the present study revealed that families of PLWSUFC at Mathari Hospital lacked cognisence about schizophrenia, suffered negative emotions and survived on maladaptive managing plans. It is envisioned that the findings from the study would aid counseling psychologists develop appropriate psychoeducation programs for families in this multifaceted situation. Such programs are envisioned to improve families’ psychological well-being, better management of the patients and reduced recidivism.
Exploring Communication Breakdown as a Pathway to Divorce among Young Couples in Waterfalls Deanery Catholic Archdiocese Harare, Zimbabwe
(Tangaza University College, 2017-09) Banhwa, Gibson
The problem of divorce in Zimbabwe has become a social issue which needs a remedy to mitigate. The key contributing factor that leads to divorce in marriage is communication breakdown, yet studies have overlooked it as a pathway to divorce. The study explored communication breakdown as a pathway to divorce among the young couples in Waterfalls Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Harare in Zimbabwe. The number of participants who took part in this study were 24 young divorcees aged between 22 to 50 years. They were selected through purposive sampling. There were nine key informants who were incorporated into this study in order to ensure the quality of data obtained from this sensitive topic. A qualitative research method with a grounded theory design was employed in this study in order to capture the perceptions, experiences and the knowledge of the participants on marital communication breakdown. The data was analyzed through the thematic analysis. The findings indicated that communication in marriage is important for it is the greatest source of marital happiness, a force that unites couples and it creates a favorable marriage climate. The results of the study also showed that there are various factors which lead to marital communication breakdown, that there are ways of improving marital communication in marriage and reduce the rate of divorce and that people in society have their own views about communication breakdown in marriage. The study would help many families, institutions, individuals, policy makers to make informed plans on issues of family and marriage.
Exploring Communication Breakdown as a Pathway to Divorce among Young Couples in Waterfalls Deanery Catholic Archdiocese Harare, Zimbabwe
(Tangaza University College, 2017-09) Banhwa, Gibson
The problem of divorce in Zimbabwe has become a social issue which needs a remedy to mitigate. The key contributing factor that leads to divorce in marriage is communication breakdown, yet studies have overlooked it as a pathway to divorce. The study explored communication breakdown as a pathway to divorce among the young couples in Waterfalls Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Harare in Zimbabwe. The number of participants who took part in this study were 24 young divorcees aged between 22 to 50 years. They were selected through purposive sampling. There were nine key informants who were incorporated into this study in order to ensure the quality of data obtained from this sensitive topic. A qualitative research method with a grounded theory design was employed in this study in order to capture the perceptions, experiences and the knowledge of the participants on marital communication breakdown. The data was analyzed through the thematic analysis. The findings indicated that communication in marriage is important for it is the greatest source of marital happiness, a force that unites couples and it creates a favorable marriage climate. The results of the study also showed that there are various factors which lead to marital communication breakdown, that there are ways of improving marital communication in marriage and reduce the rate of divorce and that people in society have their own views about communication breakdown in marriage. The study would help many families, institutions, individuals, policy makers to make informed plans on issues of family and marriage.
EXPLORING REASONS FOR SELF-HARM AMONG TEENAGERS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
(Tangaza University, 2024-11) Anthony Tabu
Self-harm involves a person injuring themselves deliberately. This may be in the form of cutting or burning. This study aimed at deepening understanding of the phenomenon of self-harm through a qualitative research approach based on phenomenological research design. The research was conducted in two selected public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives of the research were to know the reasons for self-harm, methods of self-harm, and the possible mitigation measures. A population of seven respondents was interviewed. The theories of dual harm model and Cognitive Behavioral Theory were used Data was collected through semi- structured interview questions developed by the researcher. This allowed for transparency and enabled extraction of subjective details on the topic. The study employed purposive: typical case sampling and convenient. The research managed to recruit seven participants. Descriptive data was then analyzed through thematic content analysis technique where the researcher identified repeated patterns guided by the research objectives. The results identified cutting, burning, scratching, and medication overdose as the types of prevalent self-harm. Loss and grief, bullying, relationship strains, distressing emotions, and academic pressures were some of the reported reasons for self-harm. This was in line with the objectives of the study which was to know the types of self-harm, to know the triggers of self-harm and to know the mitigations to self-harm. Results suggested counseling and being listened to as mitigation measures. Some did not know the kind of help they needed while others stated that they did not need help. The findings are likely to help psychologists, parents, learning institutions, and society; to understand some basic psychological needs of adolescents who engage in self-harm and devise ways of helping them.
Impact of Examination Anxiety on Academic Performance Among Public Secondary School Students in Kajiado North Constituency, Kenya
(Tangaza University College, 2022-06-11) Purification, Satya Richard
Anxiety is the most frequent psychological disorder among school going adolescents. Although frequent examinations are part of the learning process, examination anxiety can make some students to underperform. This study carried out in Kajiado North Constituency, Kenya, was designed to compare levels of students’ examination anxiety during normal school time and examination time; to measure levels of subject-elicited anxiety in relation to academic performance; and to investigate the impact of examination anxiety on academic performance of students in public secondary schools. A sample of 360 was drawn from a population of 6268 students from 16 public school using cluster and simple random sampling techniques. The study used descriptive correlational research design employing quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis. Two standardized tools (questionnaires) were used to collect primary data. A mark sheet was used to collect secondary data of student test/exam marks. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22, data were analyzed and presented in descriptive and inferential forms, and discussed according to the objectives. Examination anxiety was measured in non-high-stakes evaluative conditions. It was found that 69.7% participants experienced moderate level during normal school time and 62.8% during examinations. However, High anxiety levels increased from 28.3% in normal school time to 34.4% during examinations. The study also found out that the class of participants and type of school had significant influences on examination anxiety while gender, age, class, and type of school had significant influences on academic performance. Moreover, different subjects elicited varying degrees of subject worry-emotionality, leading to change in examination anxiety. The study revealed that, examination anxiety had a significant but weak and inverse correlation with academic performance both during normal school time (r = -.159, p = .002) and during examination time (r = -.151, p =.004). Regression analysis confirmed that examination anxiety predicted 6.1% increase in academic performance during normal school time. This reduced to 4.3% during examinations. Therefore, the study concludes that, despite being significant (p = .000 or p = .009), examination anxiety impacts dismally and negatively on academic performance.
Influence of Grief Counseling on Psychological Wellbeing among Widows at Africa Inland Church, Nairobi Area Church Council, Kenya
(Tangaza University, 2024-10) Agnes Mueni Munuve
The death of a spouse can be extremely unbearable and even psychologically incapacitating. Widows face challenges that deeply affect their psychological wellbeing. The church has remained the best place for most widows to meet. This study investigated the influence of grief counselling on psychological wellbeing among widows at the Africa Inland Church, Nairobi Area Church Council, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to examine grief reaction levels among widows; to investigate the influence of social support networks on grief reaction among widows; to assess the levels psychological wellbeing among widows; to establish the influence of grief counselling on the psychological wellbeing among widows at the Africa Inland Church Nairobi Area Church Council, Kenya. The study used a quantitative research approach and a census sampling technique. The study was informed by the Cognitive Behavioral Theory and the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement. The sample size of the study was 114 widows. The Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Psychological Wellbeing Scale (PWB) were used for data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The findings showed that most (n = 66, 64.1%) of the widows were at high grief reaction level, 22.4% (n = 31) of them had moderate grief reaction, 62.2% (n = 50) of the participants scored a high level of psychological wellbeing, while 13. % (n = 28) of the participants were at low level of psychological wellbeing. The study found that social support networks influenced grief reaction among widows at the Africa Inland Church in Nairobi Area Church Council, Kenya. F- value (1, 4925.845) = 2.163, and p = .000, ≤ 0.05. The study established that grief counselling influenced the psychological wellbeing among widows (F- value (1, 5013.255) = .208, p = .030 ≤ 0.05). The study recommended that the leadership of the Africa Inland Church should work in collaboration with psychologists to formulate programs to reach out to the widows for psycho-education and possible coping strategies with regards to grief reaction.

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