Journal of Sociology, Psychology and Religious

Exploring the Nexus Between Sexting and Suicidal Behaviour Among Undergraduate University Students in Kiambu County, Kenya

Magdaline Kioni — 2025-10-28

The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between sexting and suicidal behaviour among undergraduate university students in Kenya. The study used a correlational research design. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect primary data using Focus Group Discussion and a research questionnaire, which was adapted from SBQ-R. A total of 10,000 students had an equal chance to take part in the study. All ten universities located in Kiambu County were included in the study. In the selected universities, a total of 384 students were randomly sampled from various departments, also sampled via simple random sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Version 25.0) computer software program. The study revealed that there is a positive, strong, and significant relationship between various forms of sexting and suicidal behavior among undergraduate university students (r=0.574; p=0.000). The study found that there a significant sex differences in relation to in relation to sexting among undergraduate university students since the p-values (0.040 and 0.037) were less than 0.05. The research established that sexting is very prevalent among undergraduate university students, with the most common forms of sexting being text messages, images, and videos. The study also concluded that there is a positive, strong, and significant relationship between various forms of sexting and suicidal behavior among undergraduate university students. The study recommends that University management should prioritize the mental health and well-being of students by integrating comprehensive education on the risks associated with sexting into the university’s orientation programs and ongoing awareness campaigns. The study also recommends that student leadership at the universities in Kenya should advocate for peer-led initiatives that encourage safe online behaviors and create a culture of respect and consent among students. The study suggests that future research use primary and secondary data to investigate the connection between sexting and suicidal behavior among undergraduate university students.

Personal Evangelism and Church Growth: A Case Study of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nairobi County, Kenya

Mabeya Micah Makori — 2025-10-20

One of the Christian groups tasked with bringing the gospel to every corner of the globe is the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. Through a variety of evangelical strategies, it has expanded since its founding. One strategy for sharing the message and ensuring church growth is personal evangelism. The purpose of this study was to determine whether personal evangelism had significantly increased the number of members at the SDA Church in Dagoretti South Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya. Three objectives served as the study's guidelines: The first step is to determine the doctrinal and biblical foundation for personal evangelism within the SDA Church. Second, evaluate the SDA Church's evangelism strategies to achieve numerical growth. Thirdly, to examine what makes personal evangelism in the SDA Church difficult. Donald McGavran's Church Growth Theory (1970) was deemed a suitable theory for this investigation to demonstrate the connection between individual evangelism and numerical church growth. 1,401 respondents were the study's target group. Using a basic random selection technique and purposive sampling, 302 respondents, including 3 pastors, 6 elders, and 293 church members, were selected from six congregations to make up the sample group. Data was gathered using a descriptive survey design, questionnaires, and interview schedules. With the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), the quantitative data were examined using means, frequencies, and percentages. According to the study, the Great Commission serves as the foundation for the church's theological and biblical evangelism practices. Additionally, the survey discovered that the highest mean was found in service evangelism, which was followed by relational, invitational, testimonial, direct, and intellectual evangelism. Financial difficulties, conflicts among church leaders, poor member training, and the ongoing problem of member retention are some of the significant obstacles that personal evangelism faces. According to the report, the church should teach its members that personal evangelism is a divine calling. Utilizing all available channels for personal evangelism is also necessary to support the church's numerical expansion. It also suggested that funds be set aside for evangelism to support successful individual evangelism. If members are prepared and taught to evangelize, personal evangelism can drive the Church's numerical expansion. Comparing the effects of personal and public evangelism on numerical growth in the SDA Church and other churches warrants more investigation.

Role of African Inland Church in the Fight Against the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County

Thomas K. Yego — 2025-10-28

Despite numerous efforts by the government, church, and non-governmental organizations, female genital mutilation (FGM) persists in Elgeyo Marakwet County, particularly in Marakwet East. This study examined the impact of the African Inland Church (AIC) in combating FGM in Endo Ward, Marakwet East Sub-County. The objectives were to identify the socio-religious factors sustaining FGM, establish AIC’s theological perspectives on the practice, assess the actions taken by the church to curb it, and explore challenges faced in the process. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 respondents selected through stratified random and purposive sampling, guided by Yamane’s (1967) formula. Both descriptive and regression analyses were employed to interpret the data. The findings revealed that the AIC has played a central role in reducing FGM prevalence through its strong theological stance and community-based outreach. The church discourages FGM as incompatible with Christian doctrine and promotes women’s dignity through education and alternative rites of passage (ARP). Through prayer rallies, village evangelism, and biblical teaching, AIC leaders have fostered awareness and behavioral change among community members. However, the church continues to face challenges such as deep-rooted cultural beliefs, limited resources, and resistance from traditionalists. The study concludes that AIC has established an effective anti-FGM framework that integrates theological teachings with community advocacy. To strengthen this impact, collaboration between the church, government, and civil society is essential. Practical implications include the need for sustained education campaigns targeting parents and youth, recognition of FGM as gender-based violence, and development of policies reinforcing community-level interventions. The findings can inform stakeholders and policymakers seeking to eradicate FGM in Marakwet East and other regions of Kenya.

Relationship Between the Parent-Child Relationship and Sexual Attitudes Among Secondary School Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Mary W Njoroge — 2025-10-20

The goal of every family is to see the successful transition of their children in all stages up to adulthood. However, the nature of attitudes adopted by children towards sexual behavior may affect how they transition through these stages as expected. Studies have shown that risky sexual activities have been on the rise despite various measures being put in place to address them. This may detrimentally affect their educational attainment, bring about early pregnancies, abortion, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections, which are factors attributed to risky sexual attitudes. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between parent-child relationships and sexual attitudes among public secondary school students in Nairobi City County, Kenya. This investigation implemented a correlational research design. The target population was 52,304, and a sample of 385 was drawn. Both the school administrators and teacher counsellors were selected purposively as they have information under study. This study sample size of 385 participants, was computed using the Cochran (1963) formula. Data was collected using standardized instruments. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The data was analyzed using content analysis for the qualitative data (15 interview guides). Descriptive statistics were employed to depict the attributes of the gathered data. Correlation and regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between the research variables. Responses that align with numerical codes were assigned numerical values. Pie charts, bar graphs, and tables were all used to show the outcomes. The data was inspected and cleaned after it was collected to determine if any errors could be rectified. Results also showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between parent-child relationship and sexual attitudes among Nairobi City County secondary school students (β= 0.418, p=0.000). For connection and support, students who have strained relationships with their parents seek out romantic partnerships, which in turn offer the chance for an early sexual debut. When it comes to secondary sexual conduct, healthy relationships that are marked by a high degree of warmth and support may serve as a medium for parents to share their opinions or principles and assist young people in making decisions, which may have an impact on their engagement in risky behavior. The parents should also allow their children to discuss their fears and their concerns.

Spiritual Role of Chaplaincy in Character Transformation of Students in Schools Sponsored by the Methodist Church in Miathene Synod, Kenya

Mung’athia Mark Ngeera — 2025-10-04

Everyday life can be challenging and stressful for even the most resilient children as they face developmental challenges that even affect their character. The number of social problems affecting the lives of the younger generation is increasing. Numerous young people benefit from the friendship, guidance, and excellent role models that school chaplains offer. Students are taught moral principles by the chaplaincy department. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the extent to which the spiritual role of chaplaincy influences character transformation of students of MCK-sponsored schools in the Miathene Synod. The theories underpinning the study were phenomenological theory and social learning theory. The study adopted an explanatory research design and employed purposive sampling to collect primary data from respondents. Plans for interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data for this investigation. The target population was 52 respondents, comprising principals, chaplains, deputy principals, class teachers, and guidance and counseling teachers from three secondary schools in the Miathene synod. A pilot study was carried out at the neighboring Nyambene synod to determine the validity and reliability of the research tool. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was used, and findings were presented using narratives. Regression of coefficients showed that the spiritual role of chaplaincy (β=0.329, p=0.007) had a positive and significant effect on character transformation of students in church sponsored secondary schools. The study concluded that chaplaincy programs conduct readings from religious texts or other materials that promote positive values and character traits. The establishment of an effective chaplaincy framework requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities, professional training for chaplains, and adequate funding and resources. Additionally, organizing community events can strengthen unity and enhance the overall impact of chaplaincy services.