Relationship between student mental health and academic achievement in secondary schools in Samburu County, Kenya
Date
2023
Authors
Musau, P. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Samburu County’s land disputes, interethnic violence, cattle rustling, human-wildlife conflict, chronic food insecurity, gender-based violence, marginalization, poverty, and retrogressive cultural practices affect the residents negatively. As a result, the mental well-being of the county’s youth, especially those in secondary school, suffers. This study sought to establish the relation between academic achievement and student mental health in secondary schools in Samburu County. The researcher utilized ecological systems and cognitive theory for this study. The study utilized mainly positivist philosophical position. The population of the study included twenty principals and fifty-two guidance and counselling teachers from secondary schools within Samburu County. The researcher obtained both quantitative and qualitative data by utilizing a questionnaire and an interview guide. Qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study also employed descriptive analysis utilizing measures of central tendency. Additionally, inferential statistics were utilized to demonstrate the relationship between the independent variable of mental health and the dependent variable of academic achievement. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the strength of the relationship. The results of the study revealed presence of anxiety disorders and depression among the students in the schools, which influenced their academic achievement. The severity of depression symptoms was found to be directly proportional to the extent of academic underperformance among the students. The study also shed light on the prevalence of social connection disorders among the students, which were found to have a significant impact on academic achievement. Moreover, the study found that self-esteem issues among the students were also prevalent and had a significant influence on their academic achievement. The study recommends that schools should promote positive peer relationships and encourage students to build supportive social networks. Schools should also initiate mental health screening programs to identify students who may require additional support.
Description
Full- text thesis
Keywords
Citation
Musau, P. K. (2023). Relationship between student mental health and academic achievement in secondary schools in Samburu County, Kenya [Strathmore University]. http://hdl.handle.net/11071/13424