Influence of Family on Deviant Behavior among Bachelor-Level Students in Kenya
Keywords:
Behavior, Immoral, Bachelor's level, University, Family influenceAbstract
University students' immoral behavior encompasses unethical misconduct, drug abuse, alcoholism, and irresponsible sexual behavior. Deviant behaviors in institutions of higher learning are linked to parental and family influence. This paper provides insights into the issues of deviant behavior among bachelor-level students in Kenya and how family influences such behavior. In Kenya, misconduct cases in institutions of higher learning are not new because factions of university students tend to believe that they can affirm their freedom through immorality. With such concerns, there is a need to establish the reason for deviant behavior among bachelor-level students and how family influence can be tailored to ensure that university students embrace acceptable behavior. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 16,421 university students selected from universities in Nairobi County. Using Yamen’s sample size calculation formula, the sample size was determined as 390, but only 372 students were available in the four selected universities’ main campuses and willing to receive the questionnaire. The study revealed that 53% of the students perceived moral breakdown in the family influences young people’s adherence to negative moral values. A good number of the students, 46.02%, suggested that immoral behavior of parents/guardians and unfriendly upbringing influence deviant behavior among youth. Therefore, the study recommends that parents and guardians model the moral values they wish to see in their children and take the initial role of guiding their children on moral values. Christian-based programs can help university students deviate from deviant behaviors, and public education should be instituted to encourage youth to realize their self-value.
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