Students' problems and their attitudes towards seeking counselling help: a study of some selected secondary schools in Nairobi
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Date
2011-12-20
Authors
Cheseto, Nancy
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the problems of students in secondary schools in Nairobi and their attitudes towards seeking counseling help. A sample of one 198 secondary school students from three Nairobi
Schools took part in the study. One school was a boys' national school, a second one a girls' school while the third one was a provincial mixed school. Three teacher counselors also constituted the study sample.
Three instruments were used to collect data. These included a researcher developed questionnaire for students to assess students' problems, a questionnaire for teacher counselors and an attitude scale; an adapted form of Fischer and Turner's test of attitudes towards seeking psychological help (ASTPI-1) used to asses the attitudes of the students towards seeking counseling help. A pilot study was carried out to validate these instruments.
Data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. A pilot stLidy was also necessary in order to validate the research instruments.
The results show that high school students, both boys and girls, face many problems in their school and personal lives. Gender of students was not a significant factor in determining their attitudes towards seeking licip. Thus both male and female students' attitudes towards seeking help were basically the same.
Class level of students influenced their attitudes towards seeking help. Students are most Open to using guidance and counseling services while in form four and least desiring to do so, while in form two.
Most teacher counselors are not popular with students due to lack of confidentiality, fear and lack of confidence. It is hoped that the findings of this study will improve Guidance and counseling in secondary schools by alerting authorities of the need to provide essential facilities that will help the process to regain the confidence of the student users. All stakeholders, counselors, teachers, clergy, parents, and policymakers should be involved to help the students cope with psychological, social and emotional problems.
Description
The LB 1027.5.C46
Keywords
Counselling in secondary education//Counselling