RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ABUSE AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN IN JUVENILE SCHOOLS IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to examine the significant relationship between physical abuse and the social behavior of children in juvenile schools in Kiambu County, Kenya.
Research Methodology: The target population comprised 2,500 children in juvenile schools within Kiambu County. Utilizing Yamane's formula, a sample of 344 children was selected through simple random sampling from various juvenile schools. Data was gathered using questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted with 19 respondents from Kabete Rehabilitation Center, which was excluded from the final analysis. The study employed descriptive statistics (percentages, frequency, mean, and standard deviation) for variable description and inferential statistics, including Pearson Correlation and regression analysis, to examine the nature of the relationship between the variables.
Findings: The study revealed a strong, positive, and significant relationship between physical abuse and social behavior among children in juvenile schools in Kiambu County, Kenya (r = .856, p = 0.000) at p < 0.05. The hypothesis stating there was no significant relationship was rejected, indicating that an increase in physical abuse correlates with decreased social behavior among the children.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the detrimental impact of physical abuse on the social behavior of children in juvenile institutions, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions.
Recommendation: The study recommends that parents and caregivers adopt positive disciplining methods to prevent child abuse. This can be achieved through effective monitoring, reinforcement of positive social behaviors, and prioritizing open communication.
Keywords: Physical abuse, social behavior, children, juvenile schools, Kiambu County, Kenya
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