Journal of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences

Psychological factors influencing self-management challenges in type 2 diabetes among adult patients at Lamu Hospital, Kenya

2025-12-23T15:00:32+00:00

he aim of this study is to examine the influence of psychological factors emotional distress, self-efficacy, and social support on the self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adult patients at Lamu Hospital, Kenya. Despite self-management being a key component of diabetes care, many patients struggle with adherence,particularly in low-resource settings, where the psychological burden of diabetes remains underexplored. A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was adopted, guided by the Roy Adaptation Model and Social Cognitive Theory. Data were collected from 265 adult T2DM patients using a validated questionnaire. Analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying chi-square tests to assess associations between psychological factors and self-management practices, alongside frequency distributions and percentages for descriptive analysis. Findings revealed a high prevalence of emotional distress, with 51 per cent reporting that diabetes consumed significant mental and physical energy. Gender significantly influenced self-efficacy in meal planning (χ² = 6.91, p = 0.009), while age impacted exercise self-efficacy (χ² = 12.32, p = 0.006). Additionally, 70 per cent of patients relied on social support. Emotional distress frequently interfered with self-management practices, including medication adherence, diet, physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. These findings underscore the critical role of psychological factors in diabetes selfmanagement. Integrating emotional support and self-efficacy-enhancing strategies into diabetes care may improve patient outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of psychological interventions on diabetes management.

Assessing the impact of rehabilitation programs on recidivism among non-custodial offenders: A case study of Kericho County, Kenya

2025-12-23T15:03:15+00:00

The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism among non-custodial offenders in Kericho County, Kenya. Non-custodial sentencing has gained traction as an alternative to incarceration, yet its success heavily depends on the quality of rehabilitation interventions. This study used a mixed-methods descriptive design to explore how vocational training, counselling and psychological support services, and community reintegration initiatives affect behavioural change and reduce re-offending. Data were collected from 297 participants, including offenders, probation officers, counsellors, and community leaders, through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The results indicated that while vocational training improved skills and job readiness for many participants, employment retention remained low. Counselling significantly enhanced emotional regulation and mental health, though its impact on substance abuse was modest. Community reintegration efforts were recognised as vital but inconsistently applied, with many offenders reporting limited acceptance. The study concludes that rehabilitation programs contribute to behavioural reform but face systemic challenges such as weak employment linkages and stigma. It recommends aligning training with market needs, expanding trauma-informed counselling, and institutionalising community-based reintegration. These enhancements are crucial for reinforcing non-custodial sentencing as a sustainable rehabilitative pathway.

The influence of peer-related factors on the psychosocial adjustment of students in public secondary schools in Bomet County, Kenya

2025-12-23T15:07:11+00:00

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of peer-related factors on the psychosocial adjustment of students in public secondary schools in Bomet County, Kenya. Psychosocial adjustment is demanded of students once they enter secondary school. Numerous research on psychosocial adjustment done have not examined the impact of peer-related factors on students' psychosocial adjustment. Psychosocial and social-ecological theories served as the study's foundation. Convergent parallel mixed research design and the pragmatic research philosophy were employed. Data was gathered from form three pupils, guidance and counselling teachers, and deputy principals. With 555 participants, a sample of 88 public secondary schools was selected from a total of 294 secondary schools in Bomet County. Interview schedules and questionnaires were used as data collection tools. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered, and they were analysed thematically and using descriptive statistics, respectively. According to the study, the majority of public secondary schools had created initiatives to increase students' awareness of the negative effects of peer-related factors; students' psychosocial adjustment was found to have a strong positive significant relationship with peerrelated factors (r=0.615). According to the study's findings, students who have experienced peer-related problems can benefit from advice and counselling in order to successfully adjust to school. According to the study, schools should implement a program to evaluate students' peer-related factors, raise awareness of the guidance and counselling services that are available, and encourage students to seek assistance from the department whenever they encounter problems that they are unable to handle in class.

Examining the influence of mentorship programs on the self-efficacy of orphaned children living in orphanages in Bungoma County, Kenya

2025-12-23T15:10:01+00:00

This study examined the impact of mentorship programs on the self-efficacy of orphaned children living in orphanages in Bungoma County. A descriptive survey research design was utilised for the study. The study population comprised of 2,132 orphans across 20 orphanages in Bungoma County. A purposive sample of 240 orphans from all 20 orphanages was interviewed, alongside one caregiver and one administrator per orphanage, totalling 280 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules from orphans, orphanage administrators, and caregivers. The self-efficacy scale, originally ranging from 1 to 4, was converted to a 0–100 scale for analysis. Data were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Strict ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. Findings show a positive and significant relationship between individual mentorship programs and the self-efficacy of orphaned children. The study concluded that mentorship programs significantly enhance self-efficacy. It is recommended that the government develop a policy to guide all orphanages in Kenya, particularly in standardising guidance and counselling processes.

Towards a positive discipline model in Ghanaian schools: Views of stakeholders

2025-12-23T15:12:18+00:00

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the opinions of stakeholders in Ghana's education regarding positive discipline as a behaviour management approach amidst pervasive levels of indiscipline among senior high school students in the country. It also considered some contextual variables that confront the effective implementation of positive discipline across various cultures. This paper utilised documentary evidence and content analysis to evaluate information using a desktop approach. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources, which included media reports, press releases, and letters from agencies within the Ministry of Education of Ghana, as well as empirical studies on the topic conducted between 2017 and 2025. The paper revealed convoluted and entrenched opinions being expressed by stakeholders in the country regarding the efficacy of such an approach in resolving disciplinary issues among students. It suggested the need for broader stakeholder engagement on the subject, and further suggested the need for empirical research to reveal the specific contextual factors that militate against the acceptance of the policy. Moreover, the study called for courses on emotional intelligence and behaviour modification to be included in the training of teachers.

Perception of psychological support among gendarmes who experienced traumatic events while carrying out their duties in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

2025-12-23T15:14:26+00:00

This research examines the perception of psychological support among gendarmes who have experienced traumatic events in the performance of their duties. As the economic capital and most populous city in Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan faces numerous security challenges (delinquency, terrorism, criminality, etc.) that place the armed forces at the forefront. Through a series of interviews, we collected data from a sample of seven male gendarmes selected using a purposive sampling technique. The interviews were analysed using several methods: content analysis, phenomenological method, and comprehensive method. The results obtained show that the perception of psychological care is strongly influenced by institutional, sociocultural, and individual factors. Masculinity norms, the stigma associated with seeking psychological help, lack of awareness of available resources, and fear of professional repercussions constitute major obstacles to accessing psychological care. Overall, this study highlights the importance of confidentiality, social pressures and satisfaction in the perception of gendarmes towards psychological care services. It also highlights the challenges related to stigma and the need for adapted services for the better psychological well-being of gendarmes.

Self-worth and self-stigma among students with lived experience of mental disorder in Nyahururu, Kenya

2025-12-23T15:17:22+00:00

The overall purpose of this article is to explore whether self-worth self-narratives have implications on self-stigma among students with lived experience of mental disorder under St Martin, Mental Health Programme in Nyahururu Town, Kenya. Mental disorder self-stigma reduces a student’s ability to contribute towards the social and economic development of the country. Research on mental health self-stigma among students in Kenya has focused on self-stigma as a construct of social stigma, omitting the individual’s role in self-stigmatisation. Rational Emotive Behavioural and Person-Centred theories were employed. An Interpretive Phenomenological design was utilised. The target population was 29 student beneficiaries with lived experience of stress, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse and attempted suicide. Proportionate simple random procedure and purposive sampling were used to select a sample of 10 students and four mental health service providers. Data was collected face to face through an interview schedule and analysed manually through data immersion, initial coding, thematic clustering, interpretation of themes, contextualisation and write-up of findings. Results were presented through narratives as emergent themes, participant quotations and the researcher's commentary. Findings were personal appraisal on worthiness, and family and social feedback impacted how the students were likely to evaluate their self-worth. Conclusions were that self-worth had implications on self-stigma among students with lived experience of mental disorder. Counselling professionals working with affected students should aim at targeted interventions that boost positive self-worth narratives so as to mitigate mental disorder selfstigma among those students with experience of mental disorder as a way of improving their academic and social outcomes.

Burden and coping mechanisms of cerebral palsy caregivers: Qualitative evidence from Western Kenya

2025-12-23T15:20:36+00:00

The purpose of this study was to explore the burden and coping mechanisms of cerebral palsy caregivers in Western Kenya, where the voices of primary caregivers are scarcely documented. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a chronic condition that arises in childhood and is the most common cause of disability globally, with a prevalence rate estimated at 3.6 per 1000 children. Children with CP aged 3 years and above tend to have multiple disabilities; caring for them can lead to considerable burden requiring several coping mechanisms. This qualitative study explored the burden and coping mechanisms of Cerebral Palsy Caregivers (CPC) through data collected via in-depth interviews with 14 caregivers and focus group discussions with social workers. Purposive convenience sampling was used to select caregivers and social workers from a special school for children with CP in Kakamega County, Kenya. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically, with presentation done through verbatim excerpts. Results showed that burdens were financial, psychosocio-cultural and physical, while parents coped through religion, social support groups, medical intervention and self-acceptance. In conclusion, caregivers of children with cerebral palsy face multidimensional burdens that are particularly complex in low- and middle-income settings like Western Kenya. The study recommends awareness creation to communities to positively impact caregiver well-being, with quantitative studies needed to support these findings.

Evaluating the impact of mass media HIV and AIDS campaigns on the behaviours and attitudes of adolescents and youth in Mathare Sub-County

2025-12-23T15:23:42+00:00

This study examines the effect of mass media campaigns on HIV and AIDS awareness, attitudes, and behavioural practices among youth and adolescents in Mathare Sub-County, Nairobi. In a setting where youth remain disproportionately affected by HIV, it is crucial to understand the effectiveness of media-driven interventions. Using a mixed-methods design that included focus group discussions, surveys, and key informant interviews, the research assesses the reach, comprehension, and behavioural impact of HIV and AIDS messages broadcast or transmitted via radio, television, social media, and print media. A multi-stage sampling method was used. Mathare was selected purposively. Stratified random sampling was used to choose 384 survey respondents (based on Yamane's formula). Purposive sampling was also used for four focus group discussions (6–8 participants each) and 10 key informant interviews. Quantitative data from piloted questionnaires were analysed using SPSS version 27 with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data from FGDs and KIIs underwent thematic analysis using NVivo. The results show that although mass media play an important role in raising awareness and evoking positive attitudes, there are deficiencies in the translation of knowledge into long-term, preventive behaviours. The study advocates for youth-oriented, culturally appropriate messaging and proposes an integrated media strategy to achieve optimal public health benefits in urban slums.