Assessment of Self-Efficacy and the Quality of Romantic Relationships among Youth from Christian Families: A Case of Selected Seventh Day Adventist Churches, Nairobi County, Kenya.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between self-efficacy and the quality of romantic relationships among youth from Christian families, focusing on selected Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) churches in Nairobi County, Kenya. Grounded in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, which posits that self-efficacy influences individual behavior and decision-making, the study aimed to assess how perceptions of self-efficacy affect romantic relationship dynamics and quality. The research employed a mixed-methods correlational design, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data from 260 participants aged 18-35. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure a representative sample across key socio-demographic variables. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire adapted from the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between self-efficacy and the quality of romantic relationships among the youth. Specifically, higher levels of self-efficacy were associated with greater satisfaction, improved communication, and increased relationship stability. These findings suggest that self-efficacy is a key predictor of positive relationship outcomes among Christian youth, and that church-based interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy could play a critical role in improving relationship quality. The study concludes that enhancing self-efficacy through targeted faith-based programs could improve relationship satisfaction and stability within religious communities. Recommendations are made for further research to explore the role of religious teachings in shaping self-efficacy and romantic relationships in similar contexts.