Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Homosexuality in Same Sex Boarding Secondary Schools, a Case of Kikuyu Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed to examine psychosocial factors on homosexuality in same sex boarding secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub-County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population comprised 1660 form three student from same sex boarding schools in Kikuyu-Sub County. Out of this number, a sample size of 183 respondents was obtained. Proportional sampling technique was used to select form 3 student respondents, while teacher counselors were selected by use of simple random sampling method. The study utilized structured, self-administered questionnaires to collect primary data. The study used Cronbach Alpha to test reliability and validity of research instrument. The quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented verbatim. The findings indicated that students who identified with homosexuality’s key and significant statements stated that their friends influenced how they spent their leisure time (x²=11.4, p=0.040), and that they wanted to behave the same way as their peers (x²=4.08, p=0.082). Respondents believed that a rape victim was likely to become homosexual later in life (x²=11.47, p=0.089). The study revealed that child abuse and peer pressure had significant effects on homosexuality in same sex boarding schools. Therefore, the school management should implement policies and strategies to reduce peer pressure among students in shaping their sexual orientation. The Ministry of Education should strengthen guidance and counseling departments by having teachers in the department trained on basic counselling skills to offer students psychosocial support that would enhance behavior change in relation to child abuse and peer pressure, and thereby address homosexuality.