Mediating Role of Boundary Setting the Relationship Between Sexual Risk Behaviours and Psychological Wellbeing of Youth in Selected Citam Assemblies, Nairobi County Kenya

The third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nations seeks to promote universal mental health and wellbeing by the year 2030. Young people represents a key demographic group in this endeavor. However, the youth today are facing unique challenges that threaten their wellbeing. One significant issue is their exposure to sexual information at an early age, which can interfere with their normal development. This study investigated the mediating role of boundary setting on sexual risk behaviors and psychological wellbeing of youth in selected CITAM assemblies, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was based on the Ecological Systems Theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner. The study employed a quantitative approach using a correlational research design. The target population comprised 3,995 youth from nine CITAM assemblies in Nairobi. A sample size of 365 youth were selected using stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using Psychological Wellbeing Scale, Sexual Boundary Setting Scale, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Scale. Data was analyzed using regression modeling in SPSS version 27. Results showed that boundary setting fully mediated the relationship between sexual risk behaviors and psychological wellbeing (β = -.936, t = -2.073, p<.05). It was concluded that sexual boundary setting served as an essential mechanism through which sexual risk behaviors influence psychological wellbeing, effectively offsetting the negative impact of risky sexual involvement. The study recommended that youths should intentionally practice setting and maintaining clear boundaries in relationships. Psycho-education and training in boundary setting among the youth serves to advance SDG goals on health while supporting Agenda 2063 and Kenya Vision 2030 aspirations for a productive, healthy, and socially stable population.

Boundary Setting, Sexual Risk Behaviours, Psychological Wellbeing, Youth, Sustainable Development

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