Teachers’ academic expectations and psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya
- August 30, 2021
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Psychology
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Angelline Kalondu Kiamba, Dr. Joel Kiambi Muriithi, Dr. Florence Githuthu
Department of Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
Abstract: The increase in levels of psychological distress among adolescents due to different factors are alarming, however since most adolescents are attending school. This study worked to establish the relationship between academic expectations and psychological distress experienced by adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County Kenya. Specific objective was to determine if teachers’ academic expectations contribute to psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County. Ecological Systems Theory founded by Urie Bronfen brenner in 1979 and General Strain Theory founded by Robert Agnew in 1992 anchored the study. A convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted, which involved descriptive survey and phenomenological methods for quantitative and qualitative enquiries respectively. A total sample of 387 respondents from 28 private secondary schools was used which included 380 students and 7 guidance and counseling teachers sampled through simple random, proportionate, and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analysis specifically chi-square and correlation using SPSS version 22 .The qualitative data from guidance and counseling teachers was analyzed using content analysis. The results were then presented using tables for quantitative data, and data collected through semi-structured interviews was presented through quotes and narrative descriptions. The findings showed that adolescents experienced academic expectations from teachers. Teachers’ academic expectation was significantly influenced by age and mothers’ educational level. In relation to psychological distress, teachers’ academic expectations had a weak positive relationship with anxiety, stress and depression symptoms.
Key Words: Academic expectation, psychological distress
I. INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is also a crucial and important stage in human development. However, in our world currently this age group which ranges between 13-19 years, seems to be subjected to a number of challenges that expose them to low psychological wellbeing. According to world health organization mental health issues account for 16 percent of the global burden of injury and disease in individuals aged between 10-19 years
