Masters Of Arts In Counseling Psychology
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Item Relationship between Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Prisoners: A Case of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya.(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2025-09) Mutua Jacob Musyoki MbayaImprisonment is commonly viewed as a deterrent to reoffending; however, incarceration often exacerbates psychological distress, manifesting as depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and aggression. Such challenges necessitate targeted psychosocial interventions, particularly from family, peers, and significant others. Social support (SS) is widely recognised as a crucial determinant of psychological well-being (PWB), warranting an empirical investigation into their relationship. This study examined the association between SS and PWB among inmates at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya. Anchored in Social Support Theory and Ryff’s Six-Factor Model, the study employed a positivist, correlational survey design. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. A multi-stage sampling approach, combining proportionate stratified and simple random techniques, yielded a sample of 320 from a population of 1,207. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and simple regression. Demographic variables age (p = .878), marital status (p = .918), education (p = .152), and time served (p = .166) showed no significant relationship with PWB. Most participants reported moderate levels of SS (73.2%) and PWB (90.4%). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between SS and PWB (r = .193, p = .001), with SS emerging as a significant predictor of PWB (F(1, 311) = 11.97, p = .001). Findings underscore the importance of enhancing social support systems through family contact, peer engagement, and supportive relationships to foster psychological resilience among inmates.Item Relationship between Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Prisoners: A Case of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya.(Tangaza University, 2025-09) Mutua Jacob Musyoki MbayaImprisonment is widely regarded as a method of deterring individuals from committing further offences. However, life in prison often exposes inmates to a range of psychological challenges that require targeted interventions to promote mental well-being. This study examined the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among inmates at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi County, Kenya. Guided by four objectives, the study assessed the level of social support, the level of psychological well-being, the relationship between demographic characteristics on psychological well-being, and the relationship between social support and psychological well-being. The research was based on Don Drennon-Gala and Cullen’s Social Support Theory and Ryff’s Six-Factor Model. A positivist correlational survey design was employed. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select the participants. The findings showed that 73.3% of the respondents reported moderate social support, 17.4% experienced high support, while 9.3% had low support. Regarding psychological well-being, 90.4% fell within the moderate range, 6.7% scored high, and 2.9% were in the low range. A chi-square test showed that age, marital status, level of education, and years served in prison had no significant difference on psychological well-being. Marital status also showed no significant effect (p = .666). Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between social support and psychological well-being (r = .193, p = .001). Regression analysis confirmed that social support significantly predicted psychological well-being (F (1, 311) = 11.97, p = .001). These findings emphasize the need to strengthen support systems for inmates, particularly through family visits, peer connections, friends and support from significant others. Encouraging self-reflection and healthy relationships within prison settings can enhance the psychological resilience of inmates.Item Relationship Between Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Student Stress Among First-Year Undergraduate Students in Private Universities in Lang’ata Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya.(Tangaza University, 2025-06) Kitetu Annah MukeliThe transition from teacher-led instruction in high school to self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) at the university level presents significant psychological challenges for first-year undergraduate students. This study investigated the relationship between self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) and student stress (SS) among first-year undergraduates in private universities in Lang’ata Sub-county, Kenya. Guided by four research objectives, the study assessed levels of SDLR and SS, examined the relationship between demographic characteristics and SS, and explored the correlation between SDLR and SS. Grounded by Self-Determination and Self-Efficacy theories, the study employed a quantitative correlational design. A stratified random sample of 387 students was drawn from a population of 4,217 from selected private universities in Lang’ata Sub-county. Data was collected using the SDLR and Student Stress Inventory scales and analyzed using SPSS-25. Descriptive statistics, including demographic characteristics, were analyzed using frequencies, while inferential statistics examining relationships were conducted using Chi-square, and Pearson's correlation tests. Findings revealed that the mean SDLR score was 1.97 (SD = 0.917), indicating substantial variability, while the mean SS score was 1.84 (SD = 0.524), revealing moderate stress levels. Significant relationship in SS was found based on age χ² (8, N = 382) = 44.65, p < .00, university attended (F(3, 378) = 41.81, p < .001), place of residence χ² (8, N = 382) = 23.60, p = .003, and mode of study χ² (2, N = 382) = 8.07, p = .018. However, no significant relationships were observed by gender or perceived family support. A modest but significant positive correlation was found between SDLR and SS (r = .231, p < .001), suggesting that increased readiness for self-directed learning may be associated with higher stress. These findings underscore the need to promote SDLR alongside targeted stress management interventions for first-year undergraduate students.Item Relationship between poverty and anxiety levels among females heading urban refugee households in Nairobi County, Kenya(Tangaza University, 2024-10) Grace Njoki KariukiThis research thesis investigated the relationship between poverty and anxiety levels among females heading urban refugee households in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research aimed to determine poverty and anxiety levels within this population, examine the influence of poverty on anxiety levels, and analyze the relationship between these two factors. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The target population for the study were the females-heading urban refugee households in Nairobi County, with a sample of 363 female urban refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia residing in Nairobi County. The participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection was collected using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and a Basic Needs Measuring Scale, both of which demonstrated high reliability and validity in previous studies. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including multiple linear regression and Pearson's correlation, were conducted. The results revealed that 68.4% of participants reported a monthly household income below 10,000 Kenyan Shillings, while 68.1% exhibited moderate to severe anxiety levels. A significant positive relationship was found between poverty levels and anxiety levels (β = 0.491, p < 0.001; r = 0.491, p < 0.01). This findings suggest a complex interplay between economic hardship and mental health challenges among females-heading urban refugee households in Nairobi. The study highlights the need for integrated interventions addressing both economic and mental health aspects of this vulnerable population. Further research is recommended to explore the multifaceted nature of this relationship and inform evidence-based policies and support programs.Item Relationship between Social Support and Resilience among Juvenile Delinquents in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Kiambu County, Kenya(Tangaza University, 2024-09) Gertrudes VitorinoSocial support is critical in the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents as it could boost their resilience and help the juveniles endure a variety of challenging circumstances in life. This study investigated the relationship between social support and resilience among juvenile delinquents in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Kiambu County. It also sought to determine the levels of social support and resilience among juvenile delinquents. The census method was used to determine the sample size, while the convenience sampling technique was employed to select the participants. The target population was juveniles between the ages of 13-17 years old. The sample consisted of 100 participants. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Brief Resilience Scale were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were employed. Findings revealed that 40.3% of the juvenile delinquents reported a moderate level of social support, 33.4% high social support, and 26.3% low level of social support. It was found that 41.3% of the juvenile delinquents scored a high level of resilience, 34.4% of the juvenile delinquents had low level of resilience, while 24.3% moderate level of resilience. The study established that there was a positive relationship (p=.004) between social support and resilience among juvenile delinquents at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Kiambu County, Kenya. This study recommends that the prison department needs to upscale programs aimed at boosting juvenile resilience as a way of minimizing delinquent behaviors.Item Relationship between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Social Support among Healthcare Personnel in Private Hospitals in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County Kenya.(Tangaza University, 2024-09) Ugbong Gabriel-Mario AdieHealthcare professionals frequently encounter emotionally demanding situations that can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS), also known as compassion fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between STS and social support among healthcare personnel in private hospitals in Juja Sub-County, Kenya. Guided by four objectives, the research assessed the levels of STS and social support, examined the relationship between demographic characteristics (age, sex, years of experience, marital status, and cadre of work) and STS, and explored the correlation between STS and social support. The study was anchored in Figley’s Transactional Model of Stress and Cohen and Wills' Social Support Theory. A correlational survey design was employed, utilizing the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) for data collection from a sample of 72 healthcare personnel through a census method approach. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics that include the Pearson coefficient, ANOVA, standard deviation and mean using the SPSS-25 software. The findings indicated that the mean STS score was 36.81, with a standard deviation of 12.202, suggesting a moderate level of STS among the participants. Specifically, 17 of the respondents fell within the moderate STS category, 12 respondents within the high category, and 14 among the severe category as per the STSS scoring guidelines. Results showed a mean social support score of 5.19, with a standard deviation of 1.23, indicating moderate to high levels of support. However, Pearson's correlation and regression analyses revealed a very weak negative correlation between STS and SS (r = -0.130, p = 0.276)). Additionally, findings revealed significant differences in STS levels based on job type, with nurses reporting significantly higher stress scores compared to lab technicians (mean difference = 10.34, p = 0.005). Additionally, female healthcare personnel reported higher STS scores (M = 38.73) compared to their male counterparts (M = 33.79, p < 0.05), reflecting a notable gender disparity in STS. However, other demographic factors such as age, years of experience, and marital status did not show any significant relationship with STS. Despite limitations, including restricted participation from private hospitals and potential underrepresentation of the sample, this study represents a pioneering effort in Kenya, specifically in Juja, to explore the intersection of STS and social support among healthcare workers in private hospitals. The findings contribute to the understanding of STS within this population and underscore the need for tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by healthcare personnel in private hospitals.Item RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION AMONG THE ELDERLY WIDOWS IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA(Tangaza University, 2024-02) LUCY ZIPPORAH KAMAUAlthough many studies in Kenya have focused on the elderly widows and their physical health, limited studies have investigated their mental challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between loneliness and depression among the elderly in Kajiado County, Kenya. The objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence of depression and loneliness among the elderly and the relationship between loneliness and depression among elderly women. The target population was the elderly widows aged 60 years and above. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The census method was used to identify 162 participants of this study. Loneliness was measured using the revised University of California, Los Angelo’s loneliness scale while the Center for Epidemiological Studies depression scale will was employed to measure levels of depression. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis with SPSS. Results from descriptive statistics showed that the majority of the participants had experienced a high degree of loneliness, 173 (97.7%). In addition, the results showed that it is only 4 participants (2.3%) who had experienced a moderately high degree of loneliness and no participant experienced either low or moderate degrees of loneliness. Also, results showed that the majority of the participants had experienced extreme depression 175 (98.9%). The remaining two participants had experienced severe depression 2 (1.1%), while no participant fell in the category of no depression or mild depression. Results obtained from correlational analysis showed a positive correlation between loneliness and depression among the elderly widows in Kajiado West Sub-County (p < 0.05, r = 262). The study recommends that counsellors and psychologists come up with programmes that help the elderly widows cope with stress that brings loneliness and depression. There is a need for counsellors and psychologists to sensitize the families on the need to help elderly people seek counselling services in order to curb them from experiencing loneliness and depression.Item Relationship Between WhatsApp Use and WhatsApp Use Anxiety Among Students in Mixed Day Secondary Schools – Kamenu Ward Thika, Kenya(Tangaza University, 2024-09) Pauline Wambui NjeriWhatsApp is a platform where interactions take place among people, information is conveyed and socialization occurs with the help of the WhatsApp application. This study investigated the relationship between WhatsApp use and WhatsApp use anxiety among student in Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Kamenu ward Thika, Kenya. The study utilized three objectives which were; to examine what extent are WhatsApp use levels among students, to measure the levels of WhatsApp use anxiety among students, and to establish the relationship between WhatsApp use and WhatsApp use anxiety among students in Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Kamenu ward Thika, Kenya. The study was informed by Cognitive Behaviour Theory and Use and Gratification Theory. A descriptive correlation research design was employed. The sample size was 328 students aged 14-20 years. Data was collected using WhatsApp Use Scale and WhatsApp Use Anxiety Scale. The Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences version 26 was used to conduct the analysis. Data was analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (the Pearson’s product moment). Findings revealed that 83.2% of the students scored high level of WhatsApp use, while 0.3 % in Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Kamenu Ward Thika Kenya, had low level of WhatsApp Usage. It was also found that 80.8% of students reported severe WhatsApp Use anxiety and 2.1% had moderate level of WhatsApp Use anxiety. The study established that there was a significant relationship between WhatsApp Use and WhatsApp Use Anxiety among students in mixed day secondary schools in Kamenu ward Thika, Kenya (r = .369**; P = .000, ≤ 0.05). The study recommended that the school administration in mixed day secondary schools to place stringent strategies to stop use of phones in schools and educate students on positive use of WhatsApp. There is need to engage psychological counselling to help curb the excessive use of WhatsApp on phones. This will facilitate more effective strategy in helping the students on the use of WhatsApp that may not be pathological.Item Relationship between Demographic Variables and Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Single Mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya(Tangaza University, 2024-08) Loice AbwaoGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder that may be induced by people, occasions, or different circumstances in one’s life. This study examined the relationship between demographic variables and generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study addressed three specific objectives which were; to establish the levels of generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers, to examine the relationship between demographic variables and generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers, and to assess the coping strategies for generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study employed the mixed method of research. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data. Interview guide was employed to collect qualitative data. The study employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The sample size of the study was 380 single mothers. The Lazaru’s (1993) stress theory and resiliency theory informed the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to conduct the analysis. After the collection of qualitative data, through an audio recording of participants’ contents, transcription was done, and the systematic thematic analysis was carried out. Findings revealed that39.9% (n = 161) of single mothers scored severe level of generalized anxiety disorder, 34.5% (n = 139) of the single mothers were at moderate generalized anxiety disorder, 24.9% (n = 100) scored mild generalized anxiety disorder, while (0.7%, n = 3) of the single mothers were at low level of generalized anxiety disorder. There was a significant relationship between demographic variables of age, level of education, employment status and generalized anxiety disorder (p = 0.00 ≤ 0.05) among single mothers. Qualitative findings indicated that counseling, the practice of Christian spirituality, engaging in alcohol use and sharing with others were coping strategies for generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study recommended that the single mothers who were at mild, moderate and severe level of generalized anxiety disorder may be helped in counseling so as to possibly identify the underlying issues that could be responsible for moderate and severe levels of generalized anxiety disorder.Item Relationship between Substance Use Disorder and Clinical Depression among Women in Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya(Tangaza University, 2024-08) Karen MwangiGlobally, the prevalence of clinical depression among women is higher than that of males. Kenya is the fourth country in Africa with the highest number of people suffering from depression. Among this population in Kenya, clinical depression affects more women than men. However, few local studies have explored whether clinical depression is linked to substance use disorder among women in Kenya. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between substance disorder and clinical depression among women in rehabilitation centres in Nairobi County, Kenya. Three specific objectives guided this study: to determine the level of clinical depression in women; to examine the level of substance use disorder in women and to evaluate the relationship between clinical depression and substance use disorder among women in rehabilitation centres. This study used a descriptive research design with 12 rehabilitation centres and 217 participants. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess incidences of clinical depression. The ASSIST test was used to measure substance use disorder. The findings indicated that alcohol was the most substance used by majority of the respondents followed by cannabis and tobacco. The results further indicated that there was a strong linear correlation between clinical depression and substance use disorder. In addition, results of hypothesis testing showed that the relationship between clinical depression and substance use disorder showed positive and linear significant relationship (β=0.262, T-value =1.232, p=0.002<0.05). The study concluded that family instability factors were a catalyst to many women in rehabilitation centers succumbing to clinical depression. It was concluded that most of the respondents had a moderate risk of health and other problems associated with current substance use. The study recommended to health experts that early identification and treatment of women under depressive symptoms may help in preventing moderate and severe depression among women in rehabilitation centres. The study further recommends that stakeholders in mental health and substance abuse, NGOs and other stakeholders should put effort in curbing, regulating and controlling the proliferation of cheap alcoholic beverages.