Browsing by Author "Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari"

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    Genocide against the Tutsi Experiences among Priests in Rwanda
    (International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-05) Habimana, Paulin; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari
    The genocide of 1994 in Rwanda had profound and devastating effects on various sectors of society, including religious institutions. This paper explores the experiences of priests during the genocide against the Tutsi, examining their roles, challenges, and coping mechanisms. Through a literature review of scholarly articles, books, and reports, this paper seeks to shed light on the unique perspective of priests amidst the genocide, their moral dilemmas, and the psychological impact of witnessing and experiencing mass violence. From the analysis, physical experience had a positive correlation with psycho-spiritual wellbeing of the priests in the selected catholic dioceses in Rwanda (r=.170, p=0.031). Emotional experience was found to have a negative but significant correlation with emotional wellbeing (r=-.248, p=.001). Economic experience had a positive and insignificant correlation with psycho-spiritual wellbeing of the priests in the selected catholic dioceses in Rwanda (r=.045, p=.569). By understanding the experiences of priests, we can gain insights into the complexities of religious experiences in times of conflict and genocide, as well as the broader social and psychological implications.
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    Influence of Age and Gender on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior among Mental Patients in Nyeri County: A Survey of Nyeri County Referral Hospital
    (African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2021-01) Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; Rono, C. Ruthie; Kihara, Michael
    In a given year, around one in five people over the age of 18, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. According toWorld Health Organization (WHO) this condition interferes with their functionality and thus impacting their productivity in society. Considering the role played by the adult population in community development,this papersought to establish how their functionality has lagged behind due to the mental health of this category of people in Nyeri County. The study, therefore, sought to establish the effects of age as well as gender on the mental wellbeing and help-hunting conduct of adults attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design targeting the adult population. A sample size of 200respondents was purposively selected andfrom whom data was collected using a General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) guide. The collected data was then descriptively analyzed and presented in structure of percentages, frequencies, and mean together with standard deviation. To find relationships for testing the hypothesis, chi-square tests were employed. Chi-square outcomes displayed a significant relationship [χ2(21) = 56.976, p= 0.000, v= 0.549] between age and seeking mental health help from a friend. Similarly, there was a significant relationship [χ2(21) = 37.530, p=0.015, v= 0.442] between age and seeking mental health help from relatives or family members. There was a significant relationship (χ2(3) = 10.368, p= 0.016, v= 0.234) between gender and seeking mental health help from parent. Age was found to have a greater influence on mental health seeking behavior in the County as compared with gender.
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    Mental Disorders and Help-Seeking Behavior among Adults Attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital, Kenya
    (African Journal of Education,Science and Technology, 2021-05) Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; RonoC. Ruthie; Kihara, Michael
    Mental illness has become a growing concern of public health which based on World Health Organization has affected roughly500 million persons across the globe. What is more worrying however is that due to high level of stigmatization in society there has not been timely response and decisiveness on the part of patientsor caregivers on seeking help. This has in turn increasedthe disease burden since it is relatively less understood. While most studies have attributed low uptake of mental health services to help-seeking manners of persons having mental infection, it does not go without mention that there is little on record ofhow the disease has affected the lives of many in Kenya.This study with particular interest in Nyeri County investigated the prevalence of mental disorders based on various socio-demographic characteristics of adult patients attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The paper further conducted an assessment of the help-seeking behaviour among patients. The study was anchored in the health belief model and employed a cross-sectional survey design. The study targeted Adults attending Nyeri County ReferralHospital from which a sample of 200 respondents were purposeful selected. Questionnaire guide was used to collect data which was later analysed descriptively. The study established that women were more affected than menand that seeking help was intentional among the patients despite the fact that some respondents could not seek help for fear of intimidation or lack of trust in the system. Nonetheless, most (79%) respondents had intentions of seekingmental health help infuture even though they did not know where to get the help from. The study recommends that public health officials should diversify the channels of health messages on mental health services to reach majority of people
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    Possible Ways of Enhancing Emotional Intelligence Among Women Religious in Country A
    (International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-05) Udechukwu, Perpetua Ukamaka; Ehusani, Richard; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari
    Women religious devote themselves to a life of spiritual dedication, service, and communal living, actively engaging in ministry and evangelization. To effectively fulfill their roles, they require strong emotional capabilities to creatively navigate the challenges they may encounter. Researchers from various academic disciplines have extensively studied emotional intelligence and have found it to be linked with numerous aspects of both intrapersonal and interpersonal life. This study, explores strategies for enhancing the emotional intelligence of Women Religious in Country A, recognizing its significance in personal and professional development. A qualitative method was employed, which included conducting semi-structured interviews with eight participants selected through purposive sampling. Thematic content analysis was utilized to analyze the collected data, revealing avenues for improving emotional intelligence among women religious in Country A. These avenues include fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance, promoting healthy community living, incorporating reflective practices and meditation, providing ongoing formation through workshops, and learning opportunities, implementing dynamic interpersonal strategies and feedback mechanisms, acknowledging the positive influences of family, environment, and education, and recognizing the importance of subjective interpretation and choice. Based on these findings, recommendations were formulated, including suggestions for future research.
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    Prayer Addiction and Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing among the Selected Female Religious Congregation in Nigeria
    (International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024) Onyekwelu, Sylvania; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari
    This study investigates the possible relationship between prayer addiction and psycho-spiritual well-being among the selected female religious congregation in Nigeria. George Engels's biopsychosocial-spiritual theory guides this study. The study employed an embedded mixed-method research design. The quantitative data was collected using the Prayer Attitude and Addiction Test and the Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing Scale, and was analyzed with descriptive tools and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation) using Statistical Package for the Social Science using the Statistical Package for the Social Science. The census method was used, involving 325 participants. The key findings from the quantitative study revealed that (1) 1 in every 12 female religious is addicted to prayer, (2) the majority of the female religious exhibit a high level of psycho-spiritual wellbeing, (3) there exists a very weak positive but non-significant correlation (r = 0.051, p = 0.443) between prayer addiction and psycho-spiritual well-being. However, there is a strong significant correlation between prayer attitude and prayer addiction r(228) = .181, p = .006 two-tailed; and prayer attitude and psycho-spiritual wellbeing r(228) = .300, p = .000 two-tailed. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data from nine sisters selected purposively and presented with narrative analysis. The narrative accounts highlighted a shallow understanding of prayer addiction, with a predominant rejection of excessive or compulsive prayer practices among the sisters and emphasizing a balanced and integrated approach to prayer. The study concludes that while prayer is a lifestyle of the female religious, there is an 8% likelihood of slipping into prayer addiction, which may affect other areas of their lives. Notwithstanding, their high positive attitude to prayers equally boosts their psycho-spiritual wellbeing. Also, their prayer attitude does not typically cause psycho-spiritual consequences. The preventative measures against prayer addiction proposed by the participants include spiritual formation, spiritual direction, counselling, community support, and heritage.
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    Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing among Priests after Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
    (International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-08) Habimana, Paulin; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari
    The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which occurred in 1994, had profound and enduring effects on the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests, who witnessed unimaginable atrocities and faced complex challenges in the aftermath of mass violence. This study explores the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests in postgenocide Rwanda, focusing on the lingering effects of trauma, the challenges of reconciliation and forgiveness, and the role of faith in healing and rebuilding communities. Drawing on a review of the literature, including studies on trauma, resilience, pastoral challenges, and supportive interventions, this research examines the unique factors shaping the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests in the aftermath of genocide. From the regression analysis, the genocide against Tutsi experience explained 14.6% of the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of the priests in the catholic dioceses in Rwanda. The genocide against Tutsi experiences had a positive and significant effect on the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests in the selected Catholic Dioceses of Rwanda (p=0.00). From the coefficients table, physical experience and psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests had strong positive and significant (b=.649, p=.004<0.05). Emotional experience and psycho-spiritual wellbeing had a strong negative but significant effect on the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests (b=-1.347, p=.000<0.05). Economic experience and psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests had a positive but insignificant correlation (b=.312, p=.339>0.05). Key themes include the profound trauma experienced by Rwandan clergy, the complexities of providing spiritual leadership in communities deeply scarred by violence, and the role of faith and spirituality in coping with suffering and fostering healing. The study underscores the importance of holistic approaches to supporting the wellbeing of priests, including trauma healing programs, pastoral training, and psychosocial support services. By shedding light on the experiences of priests in post-genocide contexts, this research informs efforts to promote their healing, resilience, and effectiveness in ministry, contributing to a deeper understanding of the psycho-spiritual dimensions of clergy wellbeing in the wake of mass violence. The study recommended that there is need for the Church administration to ensure that resources are readily available to support the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests
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    Regulating Community Wellbeing through Traditional Mourning Rituals: Insights from the Luhya People of Kenya
    (Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, 2025) Asatsa, Stephen; Sheina, Lew Levy; Mbugua, Stephen Ngaari; Ntaragwe, Maria; Shanyisa, Wilkister; Omuchesi, Jonathan; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; Nambiri, Jane
    Background and objectives: Rituals have been reported to serve as a vital mechanism for expressing grief and fostering communal support worldwide. Despite these benefts, use of rituals in Indigenous communities is threatened by missionization, globalization, and westernization. This study sought to examine the relevance of traditional mourning rituals in community morality and well-being. Anchored in cultural evolutionary theory, the study employed an ethnographic research design. Methodology: Data were collected from 45 community elders, 30 bereaved adults, 30 bereaved adolescents, and 8 religious leaders through focus group discussions and interviews. Results: The study established fve mourning rituals practiced by the Luhya people, each potentially serving an evolutionary function for community survival and well-being. Our fndings show that Luhya traditional mourning rituals play an important role in community well-being, though not all members may beneft equally from these efects. Conclusions and implications: The study established confict over rituals with difering viewpoints from religious leaders, cultural leaders, and the western biomedical approach to mental well-being. Yet, the bereaved reported that both Luhya and religious rituals helped them process their grief. To address mental health issues fully, it is important to establish collaboration between western models, religious approaches, and cultural approaches. Lay Summary Rituals are important practices that help people express their grief and provide support within communities around the world yet in most indigenous communities across the world, yet these rituals are being replaced by western biomedical approaches. This study focused on the signifcance of traditional mourning rituals among the Luhya people of Kenya and how these practices contribute to community morality and well-being. The study interviewed community elders, bereaved adults and adolescents, and religious leaders. The fndings revealed that traditional rituals are crucial for the community's health, although not all members experience the same benefts. There were difering opinions about the rituals from religious leaders, cultural leaders, and those who follow western medicalapproaches to mental health. Despite these conficts, many bereaved individuals reported that both Luhya and religious rituals helped them cope with their grief. To efectively address mental health issues, the study suggests a need for collaboration between western mental health models, religious practices, and cultural traditions. This approach could create a more comprehensive support system for those experiencing loss.
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    Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Wellbeing among Women Religious in Nigeria
    (International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-04) Udechukwu, Perpetua Ukamaka; Ehusani, Richard; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari
    Women Religious are called to bear effective witness to the gospel in their religious vocation. However, some of them seem unable to manage their emotions andthe emotions of others, thereby hindering their ability to effectively live out their religious calling. Consequently, this study examined the Relationship betweenEmotional Intelligence and Psychological Wellbeing among Women Religious in Nigeria. The study was guided by Goleman’s theory of Emotional Intelligenceand Ryff's theory of Psychological Wellbeing using a quantitative approach via a correlational research design. The population was 5,971 and the sample size was375 selected using a proportionate stratified random sampling. The participants’ emotional intelligence was assessed using the Quick Emotional Intelligence Self- Assessment tool, while their psychological wellbeing was measured using the Carol Ryff Scale of Psychological Wellbeing. Pearson’s correlation test wasperformed to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological wellbeing among the participants. The results showed a statisticallysignificant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological wellbeing among Women Religious in Nigeria (r = 0.348, p <0.01). Recommendations based on the findings were made, including suggestions for future research.
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    Relationship between Psychological Job Demand and the Subjective Well-being among Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya
    (International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-09) Omariba, Jackline mokeira; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari
    The study investigated the relationship between psychological job demand and the subjective well-being among teachers in Kisii central sub-county, Kenya. The study was grounded on the self-determination theory of motivation and the demand-control-support theories, it adopted a correlational research design. A total sample of 194 participants was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. quantitative data were collected using the 17-item demand-control-support questionnaire and a 24-subjective well-being questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study established a weak positive relationship between psychological job demands and subjective well-being. This suggests that as psychological job demand increases, subjective well-being also tends to increase slightly. The positive correlation psychological aspect may indicate that individuals who thrive under pressure or find fulfillment in challenging work environments might report higher subjective well-being. The study impliesthe need to increase teamwork in the working environment in schools to continue fostering the subjective well-being of teachers. The study recommends a suitable teacherto-student ratio, to reduce the demand strain and hence increase the subjective well-being of teachers