Effectiveness of cognitive restructuring in mitigating Psychological distress and irrational beliefs among secondary School teachers in Kiambu County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Gakinya, Grace Wanjiru | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-01T08:43:14Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-01T08:43:14Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-06 | |
| dc.description | A research thesis submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology of Kenyatta University, June 2025 Supervisors Dr. Christine Wasanga Dr. Robert C. Kipnusu | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to “establish the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring on psychological distress among secondary school teachers in Kiambu County, Kenya.” The study used the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach. The standard 2 group research design consisting of experimental group and control group was used in the study. A total of 638 teachers in Kiambu county formed the target population. Fischer’s formula was used to get a sample of 120 teachers for the study. The study employed a multistage sampling technique, combining purposive selection of Thika Town Sub-County, stratified random sampling of schools, and convenience sampling of teachers. Teachers from the first set of 60 were assigned to the control group (C1), while teachers from the second set of 60 on the sampling list were assigned to the intervention group (group 1 or E1). The pretest, intervention, and a posttest were given to experimental group (E1). Control group (C1) received the pretest and posttest only. The study used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) to measure psychological distress among teachers. The Irrational Performance Belief Inventory consisting of 28 questions was also used. A pilot study was carried out on 12 teachers in the neighbouring Murang’a County. The test-retest technique of reliability testing was used to assess the reliability of the research instrument. The results showed that the levels of psychological distress among secondary school teachers was moderate. Specifically, 50.5% of participants were categorized as moderate for depression, 61.7% for anxiety, and 25.2% for stress. Additionally, irrational beliefs were found to be prevalent among secondary school teachers in Kiambu County. Specifically, 60.7% of participants were classified as having moderate levels of Demandingness, 60.7% exhibited moderate levels of Low Frustration Tolerance (LFT), 74.8% were categorized as moderate in Awfulizing, and 68.2% reported moderate levels of Depreciation. The study also established a moderate positive relationship between levels of irrational beliefs and psychological distress among secondary school teachers. Cognitive restructuring also had a significant influence on irrational beliefs among secondary school teachers (p = 0.000, p=0.000; p=0.000; p=0.000 for demandingness, LFT, awfulizing and depreciation respectively). On the other hand, cognitive restructuring had a significant effect on psychological distress among secondary school teachers (p = 0.000, p = 0.000 and p = 0.000 for depression, anxiety and stress respectively). The study recommends that schools should consider implementing cognitive restructuring programs for teachers. There should be regular monitoring and evaluation of teachers' mental health and well-being within school settings. Additionally, educational policymakers should consider incorporating mental health support mechanisms into existing policies and guidelines for secondary school teachers. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/31336 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Effectiveness of cognitive restructuring in mitigating Psychological distress and irrational beliefs among secondary School teachers in Kiambu County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |