The Role of Social Support in the Psychological Wellbeing of Girls in Child Marriages: A Study of Silale Ward, Baringo County, Kenya.

Adolescence is a time for school, friends and figuring out who one is. For girls in child marriages that window is often closed early. In Silale Ward, Tiaty Sub-County, Baringo County 27% of girls aged between 13 and 17 years are married already. This cuts them off from their peers. Increases risk for isolation, stress and poor mental health. This study examined whether social support makes a difference in their lives. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Cohen and Wills’ (1985) Social Support Theory the study surveyed 106 girls aged 13–17 years in child marriages who were enrolled in schools or NGO programs. Ryff’s (1989) Psychological Wellbeing Scale and a Social Coping Scale were used. Results showed a positive relationship. Social support accounted for 40% of the variance in wellbeing F (1 96) = 64.12, p <.001. For every one-unit increase in support wellbeing increased by 0.518 units. Girls who belonged to groups and had trusted women to talk to reported higher outcomes. The findings suggested that while ending child marriage is a long-term goal strengthening connections meanwhile can protect girls’ mental health. The study recommended creation of girl spaces, mentorship by local women and community dialogue to reduce stigma and improve the girls psychological wellbeing.

Adolescents, child marriage, coping, psychological well-beings, Kenya

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