THE INFLUENCE OF AUTHORITARIAN PARENTING ON THE PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of Study: The study sought to assess the influence of authoritarian parenting on the psychosocial wellbeing of secondary school students.
Problem Statement: Psychosocial well-being among adolescents is a growing concern globally. In Kenya, many students experience stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and social withdrawal (Mburu et al., 2022). The Nairobi County Director of Education (2024) also reported poor peer relationships, isolation, and emotional distress. However, the relationship between these challenges and parenting styles remains unclear.
Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population for the study was 30550 form three students, and 235 PTA chair persons. The study used stratified simple random sampling to select 24 out of 235 secondary schools. Purposive sampling was used to include all 24 PTA chairpersons from the selected schools. Stratified proportionate, and simple random sampling was used to select 397 out of 30550form three students. Data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions for students, while an in-depth interview guide was used to collect data from Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairpersons. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics which were processed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 29 and presented using tables. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in a verbatim form.
Result: Regression results show that Authoritarian Parenting had a positive and statistically significant influence on learners’ psychosocial well-being (B = 0.170, β = 0.110, t = 1.33, p = 0.003).
Recommendation: Policymakers and education authorities integrate parenting education programs into schools and enhance psychosocial support services to promote responsive and communicative parenting.
Keywords: Kenya, Authoritarian Parenting, Psychosocial Wellbeing, Students, Secondary Schools.
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