Effects of Parental Divorce on Mental Health among Youths in Westlands Nairobi -Kenya (original) (raw)

Mental health is the overall well-being emotionally, psychologically and socially. It determines how we deal with stress, depression, eating disorders, dementia, autism, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and psychotic disorders for instance schizophrenia. Mental health is important throughout our life form childhood, adolescence to adulthood. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of parental divorce on mental health among youths in Westlands Nairobi, Kenya. The study was supported by Attachment theory. Descriptive and correlational survey research designs were used in this study. This study's target population consisted of 149,892 young people. 401 respondents were chosen for this study using basic random selection and stratified sampling techniques. To gather primary data, the study employed closed-ended questionnaires with a Likert scale framework. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess reliability. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential Statistics. Under descriptive statistics, the study applied mean and standard deviation. Under inferential statistics, the study used correlation and simple regression analyses. The findings of this study were presented in tables and figures. The study established that, young adults from divorced families find it difficult to enter marriage because of the bad experience they have about it. Further, the study established that, parental divorce had a positive, weak and insignificant relationship with mental health of youths in Westlands. The study recommended that parents should solve an issue regarding their marriages themselves before involving third parties. This would reduce interference, incitement and rumor mongering that may harm resolution process. Further, the study recommended that, whenever parents are solving issues, they should not involve children from the onset. This ensured that, children remain neutral and don’t take sides. In addition, the study recommended that, parents should seek professional advice and, divorce should be the last resort. Also, they can involve neutral family members, church elders and/or pastors as they amicably solve problems threatening their marriage. Further, in the event of divorce, parents should agree on children’s care, in terms of education and other basic needs. This would reduce trauma, mental issues and other sides effects related with divorce on children.