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Master of Arts in Counseling

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End date: 2019Has files: Yes

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    Psychosocial Effects of Rape: A Case of Kilifi North Sub-County, in Kilifi County, Kenya
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Abdullatif, Abdulrahman Mohamed
    Rape is a pervasive social problem globally and also one of the most traumatic experiences, causing numerous long-term outcomes on the psychological and social realms of survivors. Kilifi North Sub County has been categorized among the most risky areas for women and children. According to Kenya Police Service cases of rape in the Sub County have been on the increase with 306 cases reported at the Kilifi North Sub-County in 2017. Survivors of rape are exposed to long-term negative outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, sexual victimization and suicidality. The purpose of the study was to establish the psychosocial effects of rape, the study was guided by three objectives; to identify the prevalent types of rape in Kilifi North Sub County; to establish the psychosocial effects of rape and; to establish the interventions that may be taken to reduce rape cases and the subsequent effects in Kilifi North Sub County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 163 in which a sample of 30 survivors of rape and 5 respondents from the police officers and trauma counselors working in gender based violence unit and 15selected local community members comprising village elders, religious leaders and youth was drawn through the use of purposive sampling techniques. Primary data was gathered using self-administered questionnaires and face to face interviews in form of interview guide and focused group discussion. Data collected, was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data was analyzed through the use of statistical package for social science (SPSS) to generate quantitative reports through tabulation, percentages, and measure of central tendency. While qualitative data was grouped according to thematic groupings. The findings revealed a prevalence of (53%) children rape and women rape (32%).The psychosocial effects of rape were; trauma (50%), humiliation (20%), and depression (15%). Based on the results the study recommended the intervention responses for rape as; training personnel working in gender based violence units in hospitals and police stations on trauma counseling; survivors of rape need to attend counseling session for prevention of psychosocial effects and Kilifi County to support the awareness campaigns against rape in Kilifi County and its environs. The study also recommended further study should also be undertaken on the perpetrators in order to determine what led to their behavior in order to address the root cause of such behaviors.
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    Selected Psychosocial Factors Affecting Wellness of the Elderly: A Case of Homes for the Elderly in Nairobi County
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Henia, Zipporah
    Changing family values and migration into cities has seen many Kenyans live away from their aging parents making it hard to fulfil their traditional role of caring for them. This has contributed to the rapid growth of homes for the aged in the country especially in Nairobi County. The purpose of the study was to investigate selected psychosocial factors affecting wellness of the elderly persons admitted in homes for the elderly in Nairobi county.The study focused on three psychosocial factors; loneliness, inactivity and dependence. The researcher aimed to explore how these factors affect the wellness of the old persons in homes for the aged and what interventions can be applied to improve their wellbeing. The study was guided by the psychosocial theory of human development, Cognitive behavioural theory (CBT) and the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. The study employed a survey descriptive research design. The target population was the five homes for the elderly in Nairobi County. The study used stratified sampling technique to get a sample of 122 participants. Data were collected by use of structured questionnaires semi-structured interview guides and Focus group discussions and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies were used to summarize data while regression analysis was used to infer causal relationship between variables under study using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Qualitative data was analysed thematically by use of content analysis and presented in narratives (verbatim). The study findings on loneliness and wellness of the elderly showed that the elderly enjoyed safety and security at the homes for the elderly; they were happier living at the homes, enjoyed the company of people at the home and they had made more friends since almost all were in same age bracket. On dependency and wellness of the elderly it was revealed that most of the residents in the homes for the elderly were not entirely dependent on the caregivers since they were in-charge of their personal cleanliness without assistance. Concerning inactivity and wellness of the elderly the findings showed that most of the elderly were not involved in sporting activities or in productive activities like knitting, painting or baking since their age was advanced and mobility was a problem. The study finding indicated that it was possible to improve the wellness of the elderly in the homes through certain interventions such as encouraging frequent participation of the elderly in physical activities, frequent counseling sessions and frequent health checkups. The study recommended that the homes should organize and encourage community visits especially from where the elderly hail from. The management should make the elderly at the homes for the elderly feel like home by encouraging openness, give the elderly the ability to choose and participate in community events.
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    Psychosocial Challenges Affecting the Wellness of Widows: A Case of Selected Churches in Nakuru County, Kenya
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Muthangya, Anne Kiviu M.
    The loss of a spouse is a life changing experience that presents itself in terms of serious psychological and social challenges that affect the widow wellness. The widow plight in various churches is not addressed due to the lack of awareness on the psychosocial challenges they experience. The purpose of the study was to determine the psychosocial challenges that affect the widow’s wellness and explore the coping and intervention mechanisms adopted by the widows in selected churches in Nakuru County. The objectives of the study were to identify the psychological and social challenges affecting the wellness of widows and explore the coping and intervention mechanisms that the widows adopt to deal with the psychosocial challenges and improve widow wellness within the selected churches in Nakuru County. The study adopted descriptive research design using a qualitative approach. The target population was all widows who attended church services in the selected churches in Nakuru County. The data collection methods were in-depth individual widow interviews and focused group discussions. The data were analyzed thematically and presented in verbatim. The major study findings indicated that spousal death results into psychosocial challenges such as; depressive symptoms, fear of taking up family responsibilities, threats and fear of own life and feelings of regret; while the social challenges included poverty and financial stress, conflicts, isolation and rejection by the in-laws and the community, loneliness among others. To achieve wellness widows engaged in various coping and intervention mechanisms. The coping mechanisms were; the use of divine intervention, social support, acceptance, avoidance and embracing change. The key interventions to overcome the psychosocial challenges, were awareness creation, social support groups, use of personal support and own initiative to seek professional counseling services. The study recommended that for the widows to attain wellness, they need to take personal responsibility to deal with the effects of the psychosocial challenges through self-awareness, seeking professional counselling and to be part of social networks. In addition, the widows could be organized into widow groups for ease of attracting support services from the churches and other agencies. The study also recommended that the churches should endeavor to organize and create a pastoral ministry for widows that would serve as a channel for awareness creation and access to services and resources required for improved wellness.
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    Factors Influencing Cohabitation among Young Adults in MCK Kaaga Circuit, Meru County, Kenya.
    (KeMU, 2019-10) Murrira, Denis Muriungi
    Cohabitation is on the upward trend globally, especially among young adults. Methodist Church in Kenya, Kaaga circuit, Meru, has recorded a decline in church weddings in recent years with cohabitation being the main alternative. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing cohabitation among young adults in MCK Kaaga Circuit. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of financial ability, family of origin, peer pressure, pre-marital pregnancy and pre-marital counseling on cohabitation among young adults. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The study target population was 780 participants where a sample of 251 was realized using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling. The sample comprised 235 young adults, 11 youth counselors and 5 church ministers. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants while an interview schedule was administered to church ministers and youth counselors. A pilot test of research instruments was conducted in MCK Kinoru Circuit, targeting 25 young adults, 2 church ministers and 2 youth counselors. The data was analyzed through SPSS and presented in percentages, frequency tables and figures. The study established a strong and positive relationship between financial background and cohabitation among young adults (r=0.747, p<0.01); family of origin had a moderate positive influence on cohabitation (r=0.548, p<0.01); peer pressure had a moderate strong positive influence (r= 0.634, p<0.01); premarital pregnancy had a moderate positive influence on cohabitation, and premarital counseling had a weak negative influence on cohabitation (r=-.19, p=0.03). The study established that lack of financial ability specially to solemnize a wedding was the major cause of cohabitation among the young adults. Further, family context influenced young adults to cohabit when they decide to form family unions; the more peers of young adults were cohabiting the higher the likelihood of young adults cohabiting and vice versa. Premarital pregnancy was a key contributor to cohabitation as the welfare of the child had to be secured, and the church’s pre-marital counseling program had little influence in controlling cohabitation. The study recommended a sliding and deciding psycho-education approach to counseling, engagement of young adults in income generating projects. Furthermore, need for MCK Kaaga Circuit to ensure church weddings are affordable to young adults by carrying out mass weddings and counseling programs should be revised to include contemporary issues that contribute to cohabiting among young adults. The findings of this study will be of critical importance to young Christian adults, church ministers, youth counselors, young adult’s development experts and the academic fraternity, particularly experts in counseling and marriage issues.
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    Influence of Counselling on Dropout among Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Murang’a East Sub-County, Murang’a County, Kenya
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Ngure, Marion W.
    Primary school dropout in Murang’a East Sub-county is an ongoing phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of counselling on dropout among pupils in public primary schools in Murang’a East Sub-county, Murang’a County, Kenya. The objectives were: to establish the influence of peer counselling on dropout among pupils in public primary schools; to determine the extent to which group counselling influences dropout among pupils in public primary schools; to assess the influence of life skills counselling on dropout among pupils in public primary schools and to examine the influence of mentorship programmes and pupils’ dropout from school in public primary schools in Murang’a East Sub-county. The study was guided by the behavioral theory and Tinto’s retention theory. The study adopted mixed methodology and thus applied concurrent triangulation research design. Target population comprised of 60 head teachers and 120 teacher-counsellors all totaling to 180 from which a sample of 124 respondents was obtained using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was used to create four different strata based on the number of zones in Murang’a East Sub-county. From each zone, three head teachers and 28 teacher-counsellors were selected using purposive sampling considering schools which have had cases of high dropout rates. This procedure enabled the researcher to sample 12 head teachers and 112 teacher-counsellors. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from teacher-counsellors whereas an interview guide was used to collect data from head teachers. Piloting was conducted amongst 13respondents from primary schools in Murang’a East Sub-county to ascertain validity and reliability of the research instruments. Validity was ascertained through expert judgment. Reliability was determined using test re-test technique and the reliability index, r = 0.7, was obtained using Cronbach Alpha Method which indicated reliability. Data analysis began by identifying common themes. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-Version 23) and presented using tables. The study established that cases of dropout among pupils are very high in public primary schools. From the study findings, it is also evident that peer counselling, group counseling, life skills and mentorship activities are rarely adopted by teachers in public primary schools as a way of reducing cases of dropout among pupils. Thus, the teachers should partner with counsellors to train learners as peer counsellors which may enable them acquire basic skills to enable them help their colleagues with challenges of dropout. Teachers should learn to adopt group counselling since it can enable pupils to learn from each other’s experiences and share their personal challenges and how such challenges can be overcome. Teachers should ensure that life skills’ lessons are well utilized and content should be geared towards enabling pupils to develop good behavior patterns as a strategy for reducing cases of dropout from schools. The Ministry of Education should ensure that every primary school has a trained teacher-counselor and counselling units.
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    Factors Influencing Divorce: A Case of Mwiteria Circuit in Imenti North- Meru County, Kenya
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Kirimi, Lydia Gacheri
    Divorce is unexpected experience among married men and women that cut short their life dreams against the divine intended purpose for marriage and family as a unit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing divorce among Christian couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of infidelity on divorce among couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit, to evaluate the influence of domestic violence on divorce among couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit, to assess the impact of socio-cultural factors that influence divorce among couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit and to investigate the economic factors that influence divorce among married couples in MCK Mwiteria Circuit. The study was founded on Albert Bandura social cognitive theory and social cognitive theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 320married men/women of all ages among Christian affiliations, 45separated/divorced men/women, 12Church elders and 2 Methodist Church Ministers in MCK Mwiteria Circuit. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The study established that, infidelity strongly contributed to divorce among couples. In addition, the study revealed that some respondents had experienced domestic violence. Also, the study observed that economic factors influenced divorce among couples as was confirmed by the divorced respondents. However, the study found that socio-cultural affairs did not influence divorce among couples as was the case of infidelity, domestic violence and economic factors. Moreover, the study revealed that divorce can be prevented or minimized through improved communication, financial transparency and accountability, as well as, avoiding sticking to the cultural beliefs and practices. The researcher recommends the need to create more enlightenment and awareness in order to enhance transparency and mutual fidelity among couples. In addition, there is need to advocate and sensitize couples on the effects and consequences of domestic violence in a family set up. In order to address economic issues, there is need for couples’ seminars with arrangement of the Church ministers and professional counsellors, through which couples can be taught about financial accountability and transparency, as well as, financial sustainability.
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    Factors Influencing Substance Abuse among Youth in Lamu County A Case of Faza Ward- East Sub County
    (KeMU, 2019-10) Kupi, Sauda Kassim
    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing drug and substance abuse among youth in Lamu County. According to NACADA (2015), about 200,000,000 people worldwide abuse drugs. Despite NACADA’s and other groups’ interventions, drug abuse is on the increase; with over 30% of youth in Kenya abusing various types of drugs. In the first chapter of this paper, the researcher presents an introduction to the study and also a brief explanation of the problem that prompted the study. The specific objectives of the study was; to establish how literacy levels influence drug and substance abuse among the youth, to evaluate the influence of type of employment on drug and substance abuse among the youth, to establish the role of availability of drugs and substance in drug and substance abuse among the youth, and to evaluate the County strategies in place to counter drug abuse. The researcher used descriptive research design because it facilitated the research operation thereby making the research efficient and yielding maximum information with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. The study targeted both male and female persons aged between 18 to 30 years. Purposive sampling was used to select the locations in which to carry out the study by selecting the worst hit areas. The data collection instrument used in this study was a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained both open and closed ended questions. It was self-administered where the respondents answered themselves. In situations where the respondents had difficulties, the researcher aided in administering the questionnaire. After seeking and obtaining permission and individual consent, the questionnaires was hand delivered to respondents. The questionnaires were then collected dully filled for analysis. The questionnaire tool also acted as a guide for the researcher in moderating focused group discussions with male and female youth study participants separately. After the questionnaires were administered, and FGDs conducted, the raw data collected was systematically organized so as to facilitate analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis; data was analyzed using IBM SSPS software Version 20. Quantitative data was changed into numbers by counting the number of times a specific thing occurs in the course of observation and interviews and by assigning numbers/ratings to dimension. The study findings were that literacy levels, availability of drugs, counseling, and county level strategies had no significant effect on drug abuse. County level strategies also had a bearing on the relationship between drug abuse and the other factors. However, occupation had no link and significant relationship with substance abuse. The recommendations were that community based organizations, county governments, the national government, and other relevant stakeholders should reduce focus on other factors and devote attention and resources to county level strategies.
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    Selected Factors Influencing Utilization of Digital Technology in Counselling: A Case of Kenya Universities Professional Counselors Association (KUPCA) In Kenya
    (KeMU, 2019-10) Wangari, Runnoh Goretti
    Technological knowledge is vital in every profession and counselling is not excluded. Unfortunately, many mental health service professionals especially counsellors have not yet fully embraced utilization of digital technology in counselling. Efficient utilization of digital technology in counselling enables counsellors perform various counselling tasks which include and not limited to counselling process, client appointments, report writing, record keeping, making clinical assessment and testing, consultation and client referral among other which enables them to be professionally competitive. The purpose of the study was to investigate selected factors influencing utilization of digital technology in counselling among Kenya Universities Professionals Counsellors Association (KUPCA) members in Kenya. KUPCA is composed of professional counsellors who practice counselling in Kenya Private and public universities. The researcher aimed at finding out what technological knowledge counsellors have in accomplishing various counselling tasks, the extent to which perception and ethical standards influence utilization of digital technology and strategies that can be used to help counsellors improve on utilization of digital technology in counselling practice. The study applied descriptive research design and used total population sampling a type of purposive sampling technique. The sample size was 120 KUPCA members. Data was collected by use of online questionnaire and interview. The reliability of the tools was verified through piloting which was done through selected University Counsellors in Nakuru County. Validity of the instrument was ensured through content validation through expert judgment. The data collected was processed and analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics, which was correlation and regression models and descriptive statistics that entailed frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviations with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The findings revealed that the most effectively utilized digital technology was the use of computer related technology and mobile phones, followed by use of mobile phones/smart phones. It was also clear that the most frequently used digital technology was use of computer related technology. Counsellor’s perception had a significant effect on utilization of digital technology. Ethical standards also had a moderate extent of influence in utilization of digital technology. Standard multiple regression model revealed that counsellors’ perception and ethical standards had a high influence on utilization of digital technology. The study realized certain strategies could improve counsellors’ utilization of digital technology. They included; counsellor education programmes on the importance of digital technology, a review of ethical standards and facilitation of resources to motivate counsellors to utilize digital technology. These findings may be used to advocate on counsellor professional utilization of digital technology in enhancing counselling competency and efficiency, improving counselling delivery in Kenyan Institutions of learning, and designing a curriculum that is inclusive of technological components.
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    Influence of Parental Factors on Children’s Career Choice: A Case of Public Secondary Schools in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado Kenya.
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Njenga, Esther
    Career selection is one of many important choices students make in determining future plans, therefore the importance of career choice among senior high students cannot be over emphasized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which some selected parental factors influence career choices among form four students in Isinya Sub-County in Kenya. The study sought to establish the relationship between these selected parental factors and the student’s career choice. The specific objectives were; 1) To establish the role played by the parents’ levels of education in the career choice of secondary school students in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County in Kenya. 2) To establish the role played by the parents’ occupation/s in the career choice of secondary school students in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County in Kenya. 3) To assess the role played by the parental expectations in the career choice of secondary school students in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County in Kenya. 4) To assess how the parent-child relationship influences the career choices of secondary school students in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey. The Design was used to describe the influence of the selected parental factors on the student’s career choice. The population of the study was all the 572 form four public school students in Isinya Sub-County in Kenya. The study focused on all the nine public secondary schools from Isinya Sub-County in Kenya to carry out the survey while proportional random sampling technique was used to sample the students. The researcher used a sample of 114 students from the target population. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as the instruments for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software was used to analyse the data. Pearson correlation was used to test relationships between variables and their significance. Descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendency and frequencies were used to analyse the data. The results were presented in percentages, tables and graphs. Data from the semi-structured interview guides were coded and analysed using content analysis and presented in verbatim. The study realized that parental factors influence the career choice of students in Isinya, Kajiado Countyin Kenya. In conclusion high parental educational level has an influence on the career choice of students. Specifically, the father level of education significantly influenced student’s career choice. From the study we can reliably conclude that parents or relatives occupation did not directly influence student’s career choice. Further it was established that parental expectation largely influenced student career choice.Finally, parent child relationship is of paramount importance as it reinforces positive affirmations on the students that help them excel in life. Therefore the study recommends that parents should make their expectation known to the students. Parents shouldn’t coerce students to pick a certain career, but rather aid them in decision making. The school administration and teachers embrace the parental values and expectations by motivating their students, organizing career seminars and workshops for their students. Communication is essential in any relationship; hence parents should effectively and regularly communicate with the students about careers, counsel them and help them make hard decision.
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    Factors Influencing Marital Stability among Elderly Couples Within Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County
    (KeMU, 2019-09) Kiara, Consolata Kanyua
    Globally marital unions are constantly facing myriads of challenges putting relationships in a crisis mode. The study was to explore factors influencing marital stability among elderly couples aged over 55 years in Westlands Sub-county of Nairobi. This study used the following study objectives; To explain the extent to which factors in the management of conflict influence marital stability among elderly couples in Westlands sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya, To describe the factors of quality communication that influence marital stability among elderly couples in Westland’s sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya, To identify factors which affect the management of finances in marital stability among elderly couples in Westlands sub-county of Nairobi, Kenya and to list strategic factors that could be used to strengthen marriages and maintain stability among elderly couples in Westlands sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya. Thirty purposively selected elderly respondents with required characteristics were sampled. Snowball sampling was used to select ten respondents with special skills for Focus Group Discussions (FGD), making a total of 40 respondents. The objectives of the study were to establish ways the elderly resolved conflicts, managed quality communication, handled finances as well as explored the strategies they used to strengthen their marriages. The study used qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The research tools consisted of questionnaires and focus group discussions. The Focus group discussion yielded a summary of frequently recorded words, as well as quoted statements which the elderly envisioned as turning points in their marriages. The study found stable marriages would be achieved where there existed hope, love, trust, commitment, forgiveness, and resilience. It was also found that a stable marriage is something that people work at through conflict management, quality communication prudent financial control and get better at but is never completed. It was also found that continuous communication was fundamental for successful marriages. Couples need to be good friends in order to manage conflicts as they arise. The study recommends that couples wishing to enter marriage should be prepared in premarital sessions by qualified professionals and the elderly. Couples at the community and institutions should be sensitized about marriages and issues of violence and offered professional help.