DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE SURVIVORS OF ARSON ATTACKS IN KENYA. A CASE OF HIGH SCHOOLS IN NAIROBI COUNTY

Abstract

Arson attacks, following riots in high schools, are a global phenomenon. In Kenya, school riots have a long history. The first incident was recorded in 1908 at Maseno high school. This riot was simply a boycott of classes. Ever since then, the nature of school riots have become increasingly violent including arsons that lead to death. More than a century ago, no remedy has been found. This study investigated the arson attacks of June and July, 2016. Several survivors who experienced trauma signs and symptoms remain undetermined; yet those survivors required psychological adjustment in order to return to mental health wellness and performance. The study, therefore, identified factors which would contribute towards psychological adjustment among the survivors. The persons of interest for collection of information were the students of form four in the schools which experienced arson attacks in Nairobi County. Self-revealing questionnaires were used in this exercise to gather information. The study embraced Social Support Theory because it seeks to establish relationship between social welfare and individual health.  Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics were utilized. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) then Stepwise regression approach was used to test correlations. The study revealed that many schools did not have safety and security measures, recreation facilities, security committees.  The study also supported Social Support Theory.