Strategies for Enhancing the Quality of Family Relationships Among Students from Blended Families in Selected Private Universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Blended families, which arise from divorce and remarriage, present complex and unique challenges that ultimately affect the pillars of a quality family relationship: emotional support, communication, family cohesion, and conflict resolution. This study examines strategies that enhance the quality of family relationships among students from blended families at selected private universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used, with data collected from 380 students aged 18–35 at four selected universities using multistage sampling. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire completed by students. Findings from the study revealed several key strategies that can help build and maintain a healthy family relationship, led by open and respectful communication at 35%, love and emotional support at 31.88%, quality family time together at 28.44%, equity and fairness at 19%, conflict resolution (14.96%), and lastly collaboration between family members (10.2%). Additionally, spiritual and moral practices, such as praying together and shared activities, were noted as helpful (6.5%). In addition, Professional counseling was identified as another key strategy, with 90.49% of respondents agreeing that it's relevant. Overall, this finding clearly highlights the importance of intentional practices, structured interventions, and parental modelling in strengthening blended family relationships. The findings underscore that family structure alone does not determine relationship quality, highlighting the need for deliberate, targeted efforts, collaborative problem-solving, and emotional support to build family cohesion, resilience, and trust among blended-family members.