Abstract: The addition of a newborn infant to the family brings about more profound changes than any other developmental stage of the family life cycle. This may lead to marital conflict and dissatisfaction, separation or divorce if not managed well. In Kenya, the problems exist despite the fact that counseling programs are in place in various institutions at the county level. New weds are often prepared for marriage and not parental responsibility. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of community counseling on family wellbeing of first time parents in Kakamega County, Kenya. The specific objective was to investigate the influence of religious leaders in first time parent family counselling on family wellbeing in Kakamega County. The study was guided by general strain Theory of social behaviour. The study employed descriptive survey research design. It was carried out in Kakamega County, Kenya. The target population was 5568 comprising First-time Parent Families, religious leaders, local leaders and professional counselors. The sample size was 373 realised through Yamane formular. Data was collected using interviews, document analysis and questionnaires. Reliability and validity of the instrument was ascertained through Cronbach Alpha Coefficient test and expert opinion respectively. Analysis of data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, aided by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program. The findings were presented using tables, charts and figures. The study established that religious leaders have positively and significantly influence family well-being (R=0.456, P=0.000). The study recommended that religious leaders should be trained in counseling since their counseling services besides religious nourishment contribute positively to family-wellbeing.
Keywords: First Time Parent, Religious leaders, Counselling, Kakamega County, Family Well-being.
Title: INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY COUNSELING ON FAMILY WELLBEING OF FIRST TIME PARENTS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA
Author: Nixon Teka Nakuku, Dr. Aketch Josiah Roman, Festus Mango
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Research Publish Journals
