An Evaluation of Self-esteem on Relationship Formation among Students in Public Secondary Schools of Murang’a County, Kenya

John Mwangi Marubu – Mount Kenya University
Anne Wanjiku Muiru – Kirinyaga University, Kenya
Josephine Kirimi – Mount Kenya University
Email: Jomwashi10@gmail.com

Abstract: Self-esteem occupies a key place in the structure of adolescents because it is related to both mental health and definition of life goals. One of the central developmental task that aids the formation and shaping of self-esteem during adolescence is the relationship formation with significant others. However, daily forms of human relationships are becoming negatively impacted by changes in culture, parenting styles, urbanization, globalization, new technologies and institutional changes with consequences in changing family structures, socialization and relations. This study, therefore, purposes to evaluate self-esteem on relationship formation among students in public secondary schools in Murang’a County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed methodology paradigm. The target population was 101,926 students, 2,236 student peer counselors and 292 guidance and counseling teachers. The sample size was 431 respondents. The data collection tools included questionnaires for students, interview guides for teachers and focused group discussion guides for peer counselors. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data was analyzed in narrative forms. The study evaluated self-esteem on relationship formation among students. The study established that the level of self- esteem was high among secondary school students in Murang’a County, Kenya and that a positive significant relationship exists between self-esteem and relationship formation. The study recommended that curriculum developers and policy makers need to provide curriculum that afford opportunities to promote and nurture talents among learners. In addition, teachers and parents should emphasize identification of talents by assigning tasks and responsibilities which eventually improve competencies and self-worth among learners.