Journal of Sociology, Psychology and Religious

Predictive Factors of Poor Academic Performance among Form Three Students in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Langata Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya

Emily Wamucii Ngogoyo, Dr. Alice Omondi, Prof. Niceta Ireri — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Public secondary schools have concerns about academic performance of students. The study sought to establish the predictive factors of poor academic performance among form three students in public secondary schools in Langata Sub-County, Nairobi. Specific objectives included assessing the influence of teacher-student interaction, and parental socioeconomic status on students’ academic performance. A mixed research design and a population of three schools having 387 students with a sample size of 197 students and 15 teachers was utilized. Both purposive and simple random sampling were used. The research used descriptive and inferential statistics processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 28. The study found that teacher-student interaction and socio-economic status had a positive relationship with academic performance. The study concludes that cordial interaction with teachers contributed to academic performance, and poor socio-economic status negatively affected students’ performance. The study recommends that teachers should show respect, empathy, and comprehension to establish solid, trustworthy connections with their students. The study also recommends that students from low-income households should be eligible for financial aid, bursaries, and scholarships from school, local, and national governments.

Capitalism and Its Influences on Development in Africa

Willy Koskey, James Nkansah Obrempong, Sicily M. Muriithi — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the impact of capitalism on political and economic development in Africa, with a particular focus on the ways it has contributed to inequality, dependency, and systemic underdevelopment. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land, and a rich cultural heritage, many African countries have struggled to achieve equitable growth. The capitalist system, characterized by private ownership and market-driven policies, has often prioritized profit over people, leading to exploitation of both resources and labor, weakening national sovereignty and marginalizing the poor. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess capitalism's role in shaping Africa’s developmental trajectory and to offer biblical and theological responses that can guide the continent toward a more just and inclusive future. Capitalism is evaluated not only as an economic model but also as a cultural and moral force that influences how societies distribute resources, exercise power, and define success. Development is understood holistically—encompassing moral, social, spiritual, cultural, and political dimensions, in addition to economic indicators. From a Christian perspective, development involves restoration of human dignity, justice, and stewardship. Biblical theology, centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, presents an alternative vision that prioritizes love, justice, integrity, and servant leadership. When applied to political and economic systems, these values call for a radical transformation of leadership and governance structures in Africa. This paper argues that such transformation must begin with a renewal of the human heart, guided by a relationship with God, and must extend to public policy, resource distribution, and community life. By grounding political and economic practices in biblical ethics, Africa can begin to overcome the destructive cycles of corruption, inequality, and poverty. This approach calls for leaders who are morally responsible, socially inclusive, and committed to the common good.

Correlates of Psychological Distress and Smartphone Addiction, Among University Students at Africa International University, Karen, Nairobi County, Kenya

Debborah Wanjiru, Dr. Samuel Ojuade , Dr. Preskilla Ochieng Munda — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Smartphones have become an essential part of our everyday lives and young people access the internet for various reasons. Many University students are faced with psychological distress and to cope with these stresses they become addicted to their smartphones. The objective of the study was to correlate psychological distress and smartphone addiction among students at Africa International University. The study proposed the use of the I-PACE model of addiction and looked at the development together with the sustenance of addictive use of internet applications. The research employed a descriptive correlational design, which is a quantitative approach to collect data. Purposive sampling a nonprobability sampling technique was employed to sample the respondents. The target population was university students, and a sample size of 333 students aged 17-40 years was engaged. Data was collected by use of questionnaires as well as SAS-SV and DASS 21 instruments. Correlation and linear regression tests were performed to test the relationships between psychological distress and smartphones. Psychological distress had a positive and significant effect on smartphone addiction among university students (β=0.674, p=0.000). This suggests that psychological distress increases smartphone addiction among university students. The study recommends that course instructors should be trained to assess and refer students who exhibit symptoms of smartphone use to the counseling department for help. Higher learning institutions should periodically conduct training or workshops to create awareness of the impact of psychological distress in relation to smartphone addiction among university students. It is important to promote strategies to reduce psychological distress to avoid the harmful consequences of smartphone addiction.

Effects of Parental Alcoholism on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Adolescents at Gitithia Secondary School in Kiambu County, Kenya

Agnes Kalondu Masaku, Dr. Samuel Ojuade, Prof. Niceta Ireri — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to explore how parental alcoholism affects the psychosocial development of high school students in Kiambu County. Parental alcoholism has been linked to various negative outcomes in children, including mental health issues. However, limited research has explored how these dynamics specifically affect the psychosocial development of adolescents in the Kenyan context. This quantitative research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to examine the correlation between parental alcoholism and adolescents' psychosocial well-being. The findings revealed that 28% of the adolescents were exposed to parental alcoholism, indicating that more than a quarter of the student population had experienced this adverse familial condition. The analysis showed that gender and age were not significantly associated with exposure status, suggesting that both male and female participants of different age groups were equally likely to be affected. However, significant associations emerged in relation to family structure and socioeconomic status. Conduct problems emerged as the most prevalent difficulty, with over 30% of respondents falling into the abnormal category, followed by emotional symptoms and peer-related issues. Hyperactivity was less frequently reported as a serious concern. Adolescents exposed to parental alcoholism exhibited more behavioral difficulties and reduced prosocial tendencies compared to their peers. A multiple linear regression analysis supported these results, showing that exposure to parental alcoholism was significantly associated with increased conduct problems and hyperactivity, while prosocial behavior showed a positive trend toward significance. The study recommends that psychosocial support services, such as peer support groups, mentorship programs, and teacher sensitization workshops, should be integrated into the school system to promote a supportive environment for vulnerable students. The Ministry of Education, in partnership with child protection and mental health stakeholders, should develop policies that prioritize mental health screening and intervention for adolescents, especially in alcohol-prevalent regions. Schools should be supported in creating safe spaces and protocols for reporting family-related challenges.

A Biblical Response to the African View of the Spiritual Realm

Leah Kagure Githiri — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the African Traditional Religious (ATR) worldview regarding the spiritual realm and offers a biblical response through the apostle Paul’s engagement with the Ephesian context. The ATR framework presents a hierarchically ordered spiritual universe governed by the Supreme Being and mediated through divinities, spirits, ancestors, and mystical powers—often manipulated through ritual specialists. These beliefs are not dismissed but taken seriously as a framework that reveals deep spiritual concerns for power, safety, and protection. By drawing parallels between African spiritual assumptions and the Ephesian cultural context, particularly in Acts 19 and the Epistle to the Ephesians, the article demonstrates how Paul affirms the reality of spiritual powers while proclaiming Christ's supremacy and victory over them. The gospel offers not only deliverance from fear but also a new spiritual identity that empowers believers to stand firm against evil. In this way, ATR worldview is not obliterated but transformed by the redemptive power of the risen and exalted Christ.