Daystar University Repository

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Conference/ Workshop/ Seminar/ Proceedings/ Lecture Series
A collection of conference, workshop, seminar, proceedings, and lecture series showcasing diverse topics and cutting-edge research from faculty and staff of Daystar University.
Daystar Archives
An archival collection chronicling the institutional history, academic achievements, and diverse heritage of Daystar University.
Daystar University Publications
A collection of Publications by faculty and staff showcasing research, academic achievements, and institutional insights of Daystar University.
Lectures and Speeches
A collection of Lectures and Speeches from distinguished speakers across various disciplines of Daystar University.
Policies
A collection Policies and Operational Manuals from different departments of Daystar University.

Recent Submissions

Assessing the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Marital Satisfaction among Married Christian Individuals in Selected Catholic Churches in the Central Deanery, Nairobi, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Psychology, 2025) Wachenje, Eunice Makena Arithi
Childhood trauma significantly impacts adult intimate relationships, yet limited research examines this relationship within African Catholic contexts where cultural values, religious beliefs, and community support systems may influence outcomes. Purpose: This study assessed the relationship between childhood trauma and marital satisfaction among married Christian individuals attending selected Catholic churches in the Central Deanery, Nairobi, Kenya. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample of 297 married Catholic individuals selected through random sampling from three churches. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Brief COPE inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and reliability analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0. The study achieved an 82.8% response rate, yielding 246 valid responses. The analysis showed that Childhood trauma prevalence was substantial, with 51.6% of participants experiencing moderate-to-severe adversity in at least one domain. Physical Neglect (31.3%) and sexual abuse (23.6%) were most prevalent. Overall marital satisfaction was moderate-to-high (M = 45.68, SD = 5.43). Emotional Neglect showed a significant negative correlation with marital satisfaction (r = -.181, p = .004), while other trauma domains showed non-significant associations. Avoidant coping demonstrated the strongest negative correlation with marital satisfaction (r = -.438, p < .001). Participants predominantly employed adaptive coping strategies, with Planning, Active Coping, Humor, and Religious Coping most frequently used. Childhood trauma, particularly emotional neglect, affects marital satisfaction among Catholic individuals in Nairobi. However, adaptive coping strategies and religious resources appear to buffer trauma effects. Findings support implementing trauma-informed approaches in Catholic marriage preparation programs, pastoral care, and therapeutic interventions to address underlying childhood adversity while strengthening marital relationships.
Effects of Short-Term Employment Contracts on Teachers ' Mental Health in Private Secondary Schools in Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Psychology, 2025) Ndeke, Emily
This study examined the effects of short-term employment contracts on teachers' mental health in private secondary schools within Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County. Its objectives included determining the prevalence of chronic stress, assessing anxiety levels, exploring the relationship between depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and contract duration, and investigating the coping strategies the teachers used. The study was guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and the Self-Determination Theory. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting teachers under contractual agreements, with data collected through the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scale (DASS-21), the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the Brief COPE inventory. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression methods, while qualitative insights were obtained from open-ended responses. The study targeted 110 teachers, and 90 of them responded successfully to the questionnaire making an 81.8% response rate. Results showed that nearly half of the respondents (46.7%) experienced moderate to extremely severe stress, marked by agitation, nervous energy, and difficulty relaxing. Anxiety was especially prevalent, with 46.7% reporting extremely severe anxiety and 17.8% severe anxiety, accompanied by cognitive worries and physical symptoms such as trembling, palpitations, and panic. Approximately 33% to 47% of the respondents engaged frequently in maladaptive coping strategies, behaviours that research identified as associated with higher levels of psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that contract length (3–6 months or 6–12 months) was not a significant predictor of stress, anxiety, or depression, although these psychological factors were strongly interconnected, creating a mutually reinforcing cycle. The coping strategies identified included both adaptive and maladaptive methods: prayer and meditation, seeking advice, acceptance, and problem-solving were common, whereas avoidance, substance use, denial, and self-blame were also moderately observed. The study concludes that while contract duration does not directly cause mental health issues, the ongoing insecurity associated with short-term contracts acts as a psychosocial hazard, promoting chronic stress and severe anxiety among teachers. Recommendations advocate for strengthening institutional support through wellness programs, counselling services, and equitable workload distribution; implementing policy reforms to regulate contract practices and guarantee basic welfare protections; and expanding research to include longitudinal, comparative, and qualitative studies. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for institutional and policy interventions to protect teachers’ psychological well-being and improve education quality in private secondary schools.
Efficacy of Complicated Grief Therapy in the Treatment of Prolonged Grief Disorder among Widows from Selected Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Psychology, 2025) Kyalo, Emily Mwikali
Complicated grief is a psychological condition characterized by prolonged and functionally impairing grief symptoms that persist for at least one month after six months of bereavement. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT) in the treatment of complicated grief among widows in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Bowlby’s Theory of Attachment and Parkes’ Psychosocial Elaborations Theory. A quasi-experimental research design using a quantitative approach was employed to select 122 widows from four churches in Nairobi County, All Saints Cathedral, PCEA St. Andrews, CITAM Valley Road, and Nairobi Baptist Church, forming the experimental and control groups respectively. Data were collected using a researcher-developed socio-demographic questionnaire and standardized instruments, including the Inventory of Complicated Grief, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Findings revealed that the prevalence of complicated grief among the participating widows was 36%. Predictors of complicated grief included being aged 61–70 years, being married for 21–30 years, having been bereaved for 10 years or less, holding a certificate or diploma, and being of lower socio-economic status. Complicated grief was positively correlated with post-traumatic stress disorder (r = .760; p = 0.01), while longer years of marriage were correlated with complicated grief (r = .724; p = 0.01), depression (r = .724; p = 0.01), and PTSD (r = .619; p = 0.01). Results of the independent sample t-test indicated significant mean differences between the experimental and control groups at both midline (M = 7.061; 95% CI: -9.671 to -4.451; p < .001) and end-line (M = -13.126; 95% CI: -15.898 to -10.353; p < .001), confirming the effectiveness of CGT. The study concludes that Complicated Grief Therapy is an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of complicated grief among widows in Nairobi County. It is therefore recommended that mental health practitioners incorporate CGT in grief counselling programs targeting bereaved populations within similar urban and faith-based settings.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Restructuring in Promoting Mental Health among Public Service Vehicle Drivers in Nairobi County, Kenya: A Case Study of Embassava Sacco
(Daystar University, School of Psychology, 2025) Okoth, Emily A.
Public service vehicle (PSV) drivers in urban areas, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya, experience significant mental health disorders due to high levels of occupational stress. This study examined the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring techniques in promoting mental health among Embassava Sacco PSV drivers in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among PSV drivers, to determine the levels of resilience among PSV drivers, to assess the relationship between socio-demographic factors and mental health disorders and to establish the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring techniques in promoting mental health among Embassava Sacco public service vehicle drivers. This study is grounded in three core theories: the Cognitive Model, the Stress-Diathesis Model, and Resilience Theory, which provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the intervention, key variables, and outcomes related to cognitive restructuring techniques and mental health among public service vehicle (PSV) drivers. A mixed-methods and quasi-experimental design was employed. The research tools included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The study population was 3,869 licensed 14-seater public service drivers in Nairobi County. The target population was 265 drivers from Embasava SACCO. The sample size of 78 drivers was calculated using the Casagrande Sample size formula. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 29.0 for quantitative data, while NVivo version 14 was used for thematic analysis of qualitative data. The findings revealed that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among PSV drivers was high, with 86.8% reporting symptoms of depression, 90.2% experiencing anxiety, and 69.4% reporting stress. The intervention group showed significant improvements in mental health, with depression scores decreasing from a baseline mean of 25.41 to 8.71, anxiety decreasing from 21.18 to 9.29, and stress dropping from 24.29 to 11.82. In comparison, the control group showed no improvement and continued to experience worsening mental health outcomes. Qualitative data highlighted that cognitive restructuring helped participants better understand the relationship between their thoughts and emotions, leading to greater emotional regulation, and better stress management. The study recommends that policy interventions should be developed to address the systemic stressors faced by PSV drivers to promote sustained improvements in their mental health and overall well-being.
Transformational Leadership and Work Performance for Primary School Teachers in Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Education, 2025) Kiambo, Elizabeth Muthoni
The study sought to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and work performance, examine how job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and teacher motivation mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and work performance, and assess the role of school culture, and teacher characteristics in moderating the effect of transformational leadership on work performance. The study was underpinned by Transformational leadership Theory, Social Exchange Theory and Path Goal Theory. The study used a descriptive research design, targeted educators in selected Nairobi schools, and applied a stratified random sampling method for a representative sample. Data collection relied on structured questionnaires, validated through Cronbach’s alpha for reliability and piloted for accuracy and relevance. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze data. Ethical considerations, including confidentiality and informed consent, were strictly observed. The study found that transformational leadership significantly enhanced teachers’ job performance, satisfaction, and commitment in Nairobi schools, with inspirational motivation and individualized consideration most strongly influencing teacher morale, while intellectual stimulation fostered innovation in teaching. The study concluded that transformational leadership was a vital driver of teacher effectiveness and educational quality, and recommended leadership training and policies that promoted transformational practices to sustain improvements in the education sector in Nairobi.