ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The increase in levels of psychological distress among adolescents due to different factors are alarming, this study worked to establish the relationship between academic expectations and psychological distress experienced by adolescents in private secondary schools in Nairobi County Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; To determine the prevalence of psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools; to establish if parents‟ academic expectations contribute to psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary school; to determine if teachers‟ academic expectations contribute to psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools; to assess if self-academic expectations lead to psychological distress among adolescents in private secondary schools; and to identify strategies for supporting adolescents in dealing with psychological distress in private secondary schools. Ecological Systems Theory founded by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979 and General Strain Theory founded by Robert Agnew in 1992 anchored the study. A convergent parallel mixed method was adopted, involving descriptive survey and phenomenological methods of enquiry. A total sample of 374 respondents from 28 private secondary schools was used which included 367 students and 7 guidance and counseling teachers sampled through simple random, purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analysis specifically chi-square, correlation and linear regression using SPSS version 22 and qualitative data analyzed using content analysis. The results were then presented using tables for quantitative data, and qualitative data was presented through themes, quotes and narrative descriptions. The findings of the study shows that adolescents in private secondary in Nairobi County Kenya are battling psychological distress with most (52.1%) manifesting extremely severe anxiety symptoms, 25.3 % had moderate stress symptoms and 25.3 % manifested moderate depression symptoms. Other psychological distress reported were drug abuse, suicidal ideations, low self-esteem and mood swings. Age had significant influence on the prevalence of anxiety, stress and depression symptoms, while gender influenced anxiety and stress symptoms. The findings showed that adolescents experienced academic expectations from parents, teachers and self. The parents‟ academic expectations were not significantly influenced by age, gender and parents‟ educational level, but teachers‟ academic expectation was significantly influenced by age and mothers‟ educational level, while self-academic expectations was influenced by age and both parents‟ educational level. The study identified strategies to help adolescents deal with psychological distress which included; psycho-education, cognitive behavioral techniques, psycho-spiritual interventions and support system mainly from parents.