RP-Department of Psychology

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Towards Professional Excellence at Kenyatta University
(Gideon Were Publications, 1994-01-17) Darkoh, M.B.K.; Wambari, K.
This paper is written by two members of staff, each of whom has served no less than ten years in Kenyatta University and who have carefully watched the institution wax and wane. There is no doubt that Kenyatta University, one of Kenya's largest public universi ties, is going through an unprecedented crisis at the moment. We have written this article in good faith and candour, believing in the need for, and importance of self-examination, if the problems facing this university are to be solved. The concept of self examination, as we understand i t, requires that we ask and attempt to critically answer some very fundamental questions. What is the prevailing state of affairs at Kenyatta University? What does Kenyatta University, as an institution of higher learning, aspire to become? How best can Kenyatta University become what it ought to be? To address these questions, we see a real need for openness, honesty, tolerance, and an atmosphere for dialogue and free sharing of information. We assume, as we must, that all of us in this workshop are passionately seeking after truth about Kenyatta University and that we are ready to do the utmost in our effort toward that end. We have written this paper in the belief that the same candid spirit of self-examination will prevail and guide us in the deliberation of this workshop on 'Towards Professional Excellence: Improving Teaching and Research Ca pabilities at Kenyatta University' so that our institution will become once more the proud and respected institution it used to be with respect to academic excellence. Creating a lively, hard working and competent university campus that can be relied upon to produce the expertise, integrity and imaginative leadership needed to maintain, and hopefully, to accelerate the post-indepen dence record of development in Kenya is a never-ending task that calls for a critical review of our everyday work, whether we are teachers, administrators or equally essential supporting staff. As in all walks of life, there is still plenty of room for improvement, especially in attitudes and behaviour, not least if we wish collectively to respond quickly and thoughtfully to the changing needs of the nation. We hope the Mombasa meeting will not be the only occasion for Kenyatta University to engage in critical self-examination. The price of excellence is eternal vigilance. Ariel's words to Gonzalo in Shakespeare's Tempest should serve as a clarion for us to be vigilant and not complacent. The words run as shown on the following page.
Decision-Making Therapy in HIV/AIDS: The African Experience
(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004) Nwoye, A.
The challenge of providing relevant and sophisticated counseling interventions to people with HIV/AIDS in Africa has greatly intensified. The task has shifted from what it was deemed to entail at the first decade of the disease. Then, it was understood to involve the process of bringing healing to the emotional situation of the client demoralized by the news of infection. In addition, at that time, the emphasis was on information and education as the most commanding weapon for preventing the spread of the AIDS pandemic. But professional experiences in the second decade of the disease has clearly shown that as we work for prevention we must also develop strategies for responding to the needs and problems of people already in contact with the disease, requiring that they be started on antiviral therapy. The present article is intended to highlight and discuss the critical issues that attend and challenge the decision-making therapy of people with HIV disease in Africa.
The Shattered Microcosm: Imperatives for Improved Family Therapy in Africa in the 21st Century
(Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers, 2004-06) Nwoye, A.
This paper provides an in-depth socio-political analysis of the basis for the limits of family therapy in Africa in the last 40 years. The goal is to make more visible the economic, social, political, and cultural factors that have combined to complicate and frustrate our macro-environments of practice. The conclusion is that family therapy in Africa cannot achieve any meaningful progress in the present millenium unless the structures of underdevelopment under which we live and work are dismantled and in their place the important preconditions for successful practice of modern family therapy are entrenched. The list of imperatives to be addressed is offered to suggest the direction along which we must move if we are to effect this adaptation.
Memory Healing Processes and Community Intervention in Grief Work in Africa
(wiley, 2005-09) Nwoye, A.
Western literatures on bereavement acknowledge the tendency to pathological grieving among some bereaved persons. The phenomenon of pathological mourning, however, is rare in Africa because of the presence of coherent and transformative rituals of mourning. This article argues that such rituals and performative experiences heal by addressing four principal aspects of the memory of the bereaved individual. The article elaborates on the content, process, symbolic meanings and clinical potency of these rituals.
A Narrative Approach to Child and Family Therapy in Africa
(Kluwer Academic Publishers-Human Sciences Press, 2006-03) Nwoye, A.
Professional family therapy in Africa is heavily influenced by theories and principles of Western family practice. Its practice structure and philosophies are however grounded on African family values and the principles and orientations of traditional African psychology. This paper presents a clinical report that illustrates adaptations we make to incorporate compatible aspects of narrative family practice in African and Western cultures. A summary of African family values and child psychology intended as a background perspective is provided. The paper is significant against the background of the current need for forging multiculturally relevant healing methods that fit well with the globalized nature of the contemporary world.
“Remapping the Fabric of the African Self: A Synoptic Theory”
(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2006-03) Nwoye, A.
A thorough knowledge of the synoptic structure and contents of the modern African self is essential for an improved understanding of the Africa of the 21st century. This lack has compelled practitioners to continue to use the Western model of the self as a substitute for the African perspective. This situation is, however, regrettable, since the Western notion of the self is largely incompatible with the African view. The Western model is based on the notion of the self as a demarcated entity set off against the world, whereas the African views the self as an entity in close interaction with the multi-faceted aspects of his world. This paper is an attempt to correct this imbalance. It offers a synoptic theory of the fabric of the modern African self.
Theory and Method of Marriage Therapy in Contemporary Africa
(Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers, 2006-12) Nwoye, A.
This paper describes the theory and practice of marriage therapy in use by the author in his marital therapy process across two regions of Africa. The approach is grounded on an inclusive theoretical perspective inspired by the notion of the basic virtues of a healthy marriage as understood in Africa, and the place of the role theory approach in intervening between opposing parties. The theme developed is that a viable contemporary African marriage therapy practice is derivable from this indigenous model. The major discussion highlights the key guiding orientations and processes in implementing such a practice. A comparative view of the Euro-American emphasis in couple therapy is presented as a background for identifying the difference between the Western and the African perspectives.
The Practice of Interventive Polygamy in Two Regions of Africa: Background, Theory and Techniques
(Springer Netherlands, 2007) Nwoye, A.
This paper draws attention to the crucial distinction that exists between affluent polygamy and interventive polygamy as practiced in sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights the therapeutic value of interventive polygamy in two regions of Africa. The cultural and causative factors in the conditioning of people’s consciousness to interventive polygamy as gleaned from ethnographic data drawn from studies incorporating four sub-Saharan African ethnic groups and conducted over a twenty-year period were identified and examined. A number of theoretical and philosophical assumptions on the nature of African traditional marriage system as well as feminist perspectives on the theme of polygamy in modern Africa were reviewed and formed the background for the entire study. The paper concludes that the African endurance of conviction in the value of the practice of interventive polygamy is explainable from the fact that the strategic role it plays for distressed couples in monogamous African marriages is yet to be surpassed by the presence of such alternative institutions like adoption and divorce, adapted from contemporary Western family practice.
Memory and Narrative Healing Processes in HIV Counseling: A View from Africa
(Springer US, 2008-03) Nwoye, A.
The AIDS pandemic in Africa has wreaked pain on millions of people, particularly the youth. Beyond physical symptoms, the disease destroys the emotional and psychological well-being of its victims and their families. Although psychotherapists are desperately needed, most of those in Africa have not been given sufficient training in HIV counseling. In addition, access to specific models of healing for those traumatized by the news of infection with HIV disease is hardly available. Memory healing processes, which are essential in grief work in Africa, can be combined with ritual theory within a narrative framework to provide a model for bringing healing to clients traumatized by the news of HIV infection.
The Extent to which Selected Factors Contribute to Alcohol and Cigarettes among Male Students of Public Day Secondary Schools of Nakuru
(Academic Journals, 2009-06) Oteyo, J. S.; Kariuki, M. W.
The increase in alcohol and cigarettes use among young people than any population strata is of great concern. The use of alcohol that began in African traditional society as an activity for political, religious, cultural and social relations has evolved over time into a problem of dependence and addiction. Despite concerted prevention efforts, there is still evidence of high prevalence of these drugs among students. As part of the prevention efforts, studies have been conducted to unravel etiological complexities of this drug use problem. This study sought to examine the extent to which the family factors, peer-group influence, exposure to pro-alcohol and cigarettes mass media content and level of self-esteem contribute to the use of alcohol and cigarettes among male students in public day secondary schools in Nakuru municipality, Kenya. To achieve this purpose, ex post facto research design was used and independent variables were studied retrospectively. Multistage cluster, Probability Proportionate to Size and purposive sampling methods were used to select the participating schools and respondents. A sample size of 327 students was selected from total population of 2279 from nine sampled schools. A self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data on students’ demographic and background characteristics, level of self reported alcohol and cigarettes use and social influences (parents, siblings and peers and exposure to pro-alcohol and cigarettes mass media content) that promote use of these drugs. Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used to measure respondents’ self-esteem. Data was analyzed by use of frequencies, percentages, cross-tabulation, Chisquare and logistic regression. SPSS version 15.0 computer program was used to aid in data analysis. The study established that Peer- group influence had the greatest contribution to high alcohol and cigarettes use, followed by family factors. The selected factors accounted for 44% of high alcohol and cigarettes use collectively. These findings may be useful in prioritizing targets for prevention and intervention programs.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Use and Bullying among High School Students in Nakuru District, Kenya
(2010) Oteyo, J. S.; Kariuki, M. W.; Ndege, P. K.
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) use among secondary school students in Nakuru District, Kenya, and its association with bullying. A total of 1000 form one to four male and female students aged between 13 and 19 years were selected from 40 private and 45 public secondary schools were surveyed between January and June, 2009. The mean or median age for male students was 14 (SD=4.90) and for female students 13.8 (SD=4.8). GSHS was used to collect data which was analyzed by frequencies, chisquare and logistic regressions. In the study, 33.7% of students reported having been bullied by students abusing ATOD in the last 30 days preceding the survey and 15.9% reported the use of alcohol, 12% cigarettes and 8% smokeless tobacco in the last 30 days preceding the survey. Cumulatively, 9.6% of students recorded having used other drugs. There was a significant relationship between alcohol and tobacco use with bullying. However, there was no statistically significant association between the use of other drugs and bullying (?2 = 3.583, df=1, p=0.058). The prevention of ATOD and bullying among students represents an essential public health measure that may allow for total children
Adolescents' Perceptions of Parental Behaviors: Emotional Interactions, Supervision/Monitoring and Disciplinary Measures In Relation To Their Manifest Aggression
(Journal for the Advancement of Educational research, 2010) Kinai, T. K.
Objectives of the study were to: (i) Assess adolescents' manifest aggression (MA), (ii) Establish the relationship between adolescent MA and parental emotional interactions, supervision/monitoring, disciplinary measures, consistency in enforcing discipline, family interactions and parents' income.(iii) Find out the magnitude of parental variables influencing adolescent MA. Six hundred and seventy two participants were stratified and randomly selected from six secondary schools in Nairobi County. Findings showed that adolescent MA scores ranged from 2 - 37 with X = 16.6610. Approximately 85.5% had low aggression 11-20.There was positive relationship between hostile, punitive, rejecting, inconsistent parental behaviour and adolescent MA. Boys were found to be more aggressive than girls; findings were significant at Chi-square test of p < 0.05. The greatest instigator of MA was disciplinary measures 34.2%, family interactions 18.0%; the least was parents' income 9.6%. Intervention is needed to suppress adolescent MA developmental continuity and to teach parents the importance of establishing good relations with their children
Re-engineering African higher education to competence based education
(2011) Kombo, D. K.; Nyambura, S.; Anzoyo, A.
The 21stcentury has been referred to as the knowledge society due to the propensity of the production of knowledge as a result of the learning revolution. As a consequence, focus has been drawn to the education models and the effectiveness in producing a citizenry that is able to keep abreast with the dynamism of the times. This paper offers a critical examination of our education model, in view of the fact that recent literature has indicated that most of our school graduates do not learn much (KNLAR, 2010; MOEST, 2003 & Mamdani, 2007). We propose the use of a competence based model of teaching and learning, where by, the learning products are defined explicitly, the delivery options are varied and the level of learning is what drives the assessment model rather than the evidence of credit points usually captured in the traditional teaching and learning model. The competence-based model has been said to be the bridge between the traditional education paradigm and the learning revolution that has beset the21stCentury, since, learning can be described and measured in ways that are apprehended by all parties. The student is able to return to one or more competencies that s/he has not mastered in the learning process, rather than repeating a whole unit, as would be in the traditional model (Voorhees, 2001). Using a case study of the DePaul University/Tangaza B.A. degree programme, which is based on the competence-based model, this paper will outline the critical elements that underline the effectiveness of the model and why it would be useful as an alternative to re-engineer our traditional model of teaching and learning at institutions of Higher Learning in Africa.
The Psychosocial Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Development of Children
(McMaster University, 2011-10) Mumah, S.J.
This paper discusses the psychosocial impact of HIV/AIDS following the revelation that 1.5 million people have died of HIV/AIDS in Kenya, while another 1.3 million children have been orphaned. With HIV prevalence rate of 6.7% and a mortality rate of 700 per day among adults of reproductive age, the importance of such an analysis cannot be overemphasized. The paper focuses particularly on the loss of caregiver support and the resultant stress on caregiving systems and on children's development and adjustment in Kenya. The expected effects on children in the domains of economic and food security, psychosocial care, education, health, family composition and stability of care are first generally reviewed. The close association between poverty and HIV/AIDS is discussed next with keen attention to the likely co-occurrence of HIV/AIDS, poverty, loss of caregivers and deprivation associated with deepening poverty particularly in resource-deficit neighbourhoods. In the final analysis, it is made clear that the impact on large numbers of children of the combined effects of poverty and HIV/AIDS (as seen in increased cases of school drop out, child labour abuses and the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children) are likely to cause significant social disruption.
Child Abuse in Kenyan slums: The good, the bad and the ugly
(2011-10-17) Mumah, S. J.; Kigen, E. M.; Muga, R. O.; Ruhigisha, J. P.; Munyana, G. F. K.
Child abuse depicts anything that individuals, institutions or processes do (or fail to do), which directly or indirectly harms the child or damages her/his prospects of safe growth and healthy development. At the apex of this ill is Kenya, among other nations, that has since seen an unprecedented increase in cases of child abuse manifested in child battering, sexual abuse, child labour, verbal insults, child neglect, denial of physical and emotional needs, confinements and a legion other forms of assault. In recognition of this problem, this study was conducted to ascertain the incidents of child abuse within Kenya's urban informal settlements. The descriptive survey employed ex-post facto and comparative research designs to gather data from boys and girls in Kawangware slums of Nairobi city, using the questionnaire as the main tool for primary data collection. Data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively and reported descriptively. Results indicate that Kenyan children are extensively abused. This was evidenced by established cases of verbal assault (68%), beatings (95%), inflicting of pain involving the child's sexual organ (35%), excessive labour (33.5%), incest and sexual abuse (46%) and denial of food (22.5%). Others included abandonment (18%), confinement (13.5%) and stigmatisation and discrimination (97%), just to mention a few. Orphans and destitute children were worst victims. Such abuses have resulted in regular nightmares, withdrawal, disturbed sleep, burns, multiple bruises and marks, fractures and bald spots on the abused children. Mothers (and/or female guardians) were the worst perpetrators of child abuse followed by fathers (and/or male guardians) and close family relatives and friends. Our research calls for programmes that address responsible parenthood in the slums. But where is Kenya when such evils are committed against her children, four years after publishing the Children's Act, 2001?
Building on the indigenous: theory and method of marriage therapy in contemporary Eastern and Western Africa
(2011-10-27) Nwoye, A.
This paper highlights the distinctive approach to marriage therapy in use by therapists in two regions of Africa. It illustrates that marital therapy in these two regions is based on role theory framework and follows, in its execution, the pattern of the judicial trial model. It traces adaptations made by contemporary marriage therapists to ensure that while building their present practices on this essentially indigenous/court-room trial model, they are able to remain open to outside influences from other models of marriage.
Rehabilitation of Delinquent Adolescents in Kenya: Challenges and Implications for Counseling
(2013) Wasanga, C.M.; Gachara, Esther G.
The problem of delinquency in adolescence is a worldwide social phenomenon. Of most concern is the impact of delinquency on the adolescence, their families, and the society at large, and the relationship between delinquency and adult crime. It has been argued that delinquency leads to adult crime and therefore a life long career. There is need therefore to deal with adolescence delinquency to curb the trend of adolescents maturing to adulthood with criminal behaviors. The government of Kenya has established rehabilitation schools with the aim of correcting and, reforming the delinquent adolescents into adjusted productive citizens. The rehabilitation schools have programs designed to meet this objective. This paper aimed at assessing the factors related to the effectiveness of rehabilitation schools with particular attention to parents' involvement and adolescents perception towards rehabilitation schools and recommend measures that can increase their effectiveness. This is against the backdrop of the vital role played by the-family in acquisition of delinquent behaviors and perception of the rehabilitation schools. The study was done using a descriptive survey with the target population being the children, staff members of the rehabilitation schools in Nairobi and Kiambu. Stratified random sampling was applied to get samples of the sub-groups in the population. The research instruments were questionnaires and interview schedules while data collection procedures were structured interviews and observations. The data was analyzed using both manual and computer-programs and presented using descriptive statistics inform of frequencies and percentages distribution. The study found that the adolescents had inadequate perception about the rehabilitation schools and process. Proper orientation process was also not in place. Parents were found to be minimally involved, that is only in the provision of basic needs to their children. Various recommendations were suggested which included proper orientation-that include the adolescents and staff members, and opportunities to be availed for the-parents to be involved in the-rehabilitation process which could include family therapy restorative conference. The study also recommended that this study be done in other rehabilitation schools outside Nairobi and Kiambu to help in making general conclusion for the whole nation for intervention measures to be taken.
Relationship between Functions of Counselor Supervision and Level of Burnout: The Case of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Counselors in Selected Counties in Kenya
(The Cradle of Knowledge African Journal of Educational and Social Science Research, 2013) Kinga, Thomas N.; Kathungu, Beatrice; Mwangi, Joseph
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the functions of counsellor supervision and level of burnout among VCT counsellors in selected counties in Kenya. An expost facto correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 1050 VCT counsellors out of which a sample of 175 counsellors was selected using purposive, proportionate and simple random sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire and was analysed using descriptive statistics namely frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics including the Chi- square and Factor Analysis. Findings of the study indicated that a statically significant relationship existed between education, supportive and administrative functions of counsellor supervision and level of burnout among the VCT counsellors in the selected counties in Kenya. It was recommended that counsellor supervisors should incorporate all functions of counsellor supervision in their practice including educational, support and administrative functions
Co-occurrence of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs Among secondary school students in Kiambu and Nairobi Counties Kenya
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2013-03-03) Oteyo, John Samson; Kariuki, Mary; Mwenje, Margeret
Secondary school students engage in behaviors like use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs that compromise their health and future potentials. However, these behaviors are preventable. The current study was designed to establish the prevalence of single and concurrent use of these drugs among students of Kiambu and Nairobi Counties of Kenya. Multi-stage, stratified proportionate, systematic and simple random sampling and purposive methods were used to select participating counties (n=2), district (n=8) schools (n=71) and students (n=1389).However 1088 students were included at analysis as some were eliminated due to inconsistent responses and non-responses. Self administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and alcohol, tobacco and other drug behaviors. Frequency, percentages, ChiSquare and logistic regression were used to analyze data. Alcohol was the most used drug (23.5%) followed by khat, cigarette, smokeless tobacco and bhang in that order. Of the current alcohol drinkers, 47.6, 33.1, 28.7 and 26.6% had also used khat, bhang, smokeless tobacco and cigarettes respectively. From logic regressions analyses, alcohol drinkers than abstainers were 6.198 times (95% C.I: 4.146-9.266) more likely to be khat users whereas cigarette smokers than non-smokers were 15.264 times (95% C.I: 8.170-28.519) more likely to use smokeless tobacco. These results provide empirical evidences for a comprehensive prevention and intervention programs that target multiple risk behaviors to promote global health among secondary school students.
Effects of alcohol abuse on parental guidance of children
(International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR), 2014) Sirera, Merecia A. M.; Mwenje, Margaret
Alcohol abuse and dependence can be disabling to the family functioning and especially nurturing of the children. However, information on the effect of alcohol abuse and dependence on the role of parents as nurturers in the rural settings of Kenya is limited. The purpose of this study was to establish effects of Alcohol abuse and dependence on parents in the rural settings and how this impacted on their parental roles as nurtures and especially in guiding children. The parents who use alcohol frequently experienced alcohol related disorders that could be disabling them from their parental duties. The effects of alcohol abuse and dependence on parental guidance in Marachi central location in Butula Division in Busia County and Mathira division in Nyeri County were derived from a questionnaire and focus group discussions with parents who frequently use alcohol. A total of 83 parents, 41 from Butula Division Busia County and 42 from Mathira Division in Nyeri County participated in the study. The findings from this study indicate that alcohol abuse and dependence not only drained family resources but more importantly led to negative self assessment that worked against the role of parents as models and nurturers hence their inability in guiding children to grow into desirable persons for individual development and functioning of the society

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