Abstract:
Undeniably, boy child experiences coupled with evolution of globalization, technology,
socio-economic factors and cultural changes have tremendously shaped boy child’s behavior.
Consequently, this has contributed to a number of challenges some of which have taken toll on the
psychological wellbeing of the boy child. The study examined the relationship between boy child
experiences and their psychological wellbeing using the case of Embakasi Central constituency,
Nairobi City County. More specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of parental
guidance, peer experiences, education experiences and guidance and counseling on the
psychological wellbeing of the boy-child in Embakasi Central Constituency, Nairobi City County.
The study was anchored on Zimmerman’s psychological empowerment theory. The study utilized
cross-sectional descriptive design and phenomenological design to gather quantitative and
qualitative data respectively. The study targeted boy child students in seven public secondary schools
in Embakasi central constituency as well as teachers, parents and principals. Yamane (2001)
formula was used determine a sample size of 360 boy child students while purposive sampling
technique was used to determine a sample size of 14 teachers, 7 principals and 9 PTA members who
participated in the study. Primary data was collected using questionnaires targeting the boy child
and teachers while semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and school principals.
Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using
descriptive statistics involving frequencies and percentages with the help of Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Data was presented in form of graphs, charts and distribution
tables. The study established that parental guidance, education experiences and counseling played
a significant role in promoting the psychological wellbeing of the boy child. The study concluded
that there is a statistical significant relationship between parental guidance, education experiences,
peer experiences and counselling and the psychological wellbeing of the boy child. The study
recommended that all parents should undergo through positive parenting skills training in order for
them to get involved in the lives of the boy child since their support is greatly associated with boy
child’s psychological wellbeing. Equally, the study recommended that teachers should create good
relationship between students and their parents in order to enhance psychological wellbeing of the
boy child.
