Impact: Journal of Transformation

The Prevalence of Psychological Impacts on the Process, the Arrest and the Incarceration and Criminal Conduct Tendency upon the Adolescent’s Life

2025-05-06T14:39:58+03:00

This study explores the psychological effects of arrest and incarceration on adolescents in Makadara Sub-County, Kenya, specifically at the Nairobi Boys Hostel. It aims to understand how these experiences can disrupt adolescent psychological well-being, and personal development and potentially lead to criminal behaviour. The research fills a gap in the Kenyan context, particularly in Makadara Sub-County. The study, based on Social Learning Theory and Strain Theory, suggests that incarceration experiences contribute to psychological stress, unproductivity and criminal behaviour among adolescents. It suggests that these experiences, often influenced by significant others, can lead to low self-esteem, anger, hostility, denial, and rejection, potentially affecting the overall well-being of the adolescents. The study used qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to analyze the data highlighting the detrimental effects of juvenile incarceration. The results showed that 20% strongly agreed with positive self-statements, 40% agreed, 30% were undecided, 5% disagreed, and 5% strongly disagreed. Sixty percent of the respondents frequently felt angry about various aspects of their lives. Similar percentages were observed for anger towards the future, hostility, and irritation levels. The study reveals significant psychological distress among incarcerated adolescents, suggesting a cycle of negative experiences within the criminal justice system. The study highlights the need for psychological interventions to combat juvenile delinquency, emphasizing stress, incarceration, unproductivity, and criminal behavior, and suggests policy reforms focusing on rehabilitation and mental health support rather than punitive measures.

Keywords: Adolescents, Psychological Impacts, Arrest, Incarceration, Criminal Conduct/behavior

The Influence of Religious-based Programmes on Recidivism of Women Offenders in Kenyan Prisons

2025-05-06T15:17:00+03:00

The study, done between 2021 and 2024, sought to establish the impact of religious-based programmes on the recidivism of repeat female offenders in Kenyan prisons. The study aimed to determine the influence of religious-based programmes on recidivism. The study hypothesised that women repeat offenders' participation in religious-based rehabilitation programmes did not have a positive influence on recidivism trends. It was further hypothesised that participation in religious-based programmes did not prevent women convicts from criminal relapse. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview guides, key informant guides and focus group discussions. Key informants were identified from prison officers who were purposefully selected. Out of a target population of 130 women inmates, a sample size of 48 respondents was selected and participated in the study. The snowball sampling technique was used to identify the appropriate respondents. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed and presented in percentages, tables, and verbatim quotes. The study findings established that religious-based rehabilitation programmes had a significant impact on recidivism reduction trends among women repeat offenders. It further shows that participation in religious-based rehabilitation programmes helped repeat offenders desist from criminal relapse and helped to get rid of negative emotions such as depression and anger, enhancing the ability to acquire healthy, stable mental health. It is recommended that religious and spiritual liberty activities be enhanced in all women's correctional facilities to reduce recidivism rates among repeat female offenders since this would play a significant role in helping women convicts acquire emotional, psychological and mental healing, which is vital for their ability to desist from criminal relapse.

Keywords: Homa Bay GoK women prison, recidivism, rehabilitation, religious-based programme, repeat offenders

The Impact of Psychological Well-being on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Schools in Luanda Sub-county, Vihiga County

2025-05-06T15:37:09+03:00

Caregivers of children living with autism spectrum disorder are confronted with many obstacles that have an impact on their psychological health and, in turn, their quality of life. This study explores the influence of psychological well-being on quality of life of caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attending special schools in Luanda Sub-County, Vihiga County. This study adopted the Social-Ecological System Theory to explain how the caregivers of ASD children interact with different contexts as they execute their caregiving responsibilities. The research employed a phenomenal approach and purposive sampling method to select the respondents from special schools in Luanda Sub-County. The tools employed for the study were interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was gathered via videotape recordings and field notes and then transcribed word for word. The objective of the study was to explore how the psychological well-being encompassing aspects such as autonomy, personal growth, and self-acceptance of the caregivers' of children with ASD affects their overall quality of life. The study found out that numerous challenges faced by the caregivers revolve around lack of information and awareness regarding ASD which delayed the diagnosis of ASD. These affected their self- acceptance, autonomy, and personal growth, which in turn influenced their Quality of Life (QOL). The study recommends raising public awareness about ASD, providing caregivers with skills to manage socially unacceptable behaviors, make therapies accessible and affordable for the caregivers, and provide them with support to help them improve their psychosocial well-being and QOL.
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, quality of life, caregivers, psychological well-being, self-acceptance, autonomy, personal growth.

Euphemistic Expressions in the Kagulu Language of Tanzania

2025-05-06T15:44:58+03:00

This document aims to show how euphemisms are being used in the Kagulu language of Tanzania and how euphemistic expressions reflect cultural realities of the Kagulu language community. Euphemisms are used to substitute words or speeches which are too harsh when referring to some unpleasant or embarrassing situation. In other words, euphemisms are used to make unacceptable words or language to become sweet and acceptable. The Kagulu speakers employ euphemistic expressions to handle such matters, which are thought to be unacceptable to be spoken directly before other people of the community. In the Kagulu language, euphemisms are used to avoid the use of such words, to teach the Kagulu community about their ethics, to avoid conflicts and embarrassments, and to bring stability in the community. Euphemisms are used to motivate people to like and use their language in the right way. Normally, the Kagulu language speakers, who use euphemistic expressions when they speak, are considered to be people of wisdom and are honored greatly in the Kagulu community.

Key Terms: Euphemism, Kagulu, cultural norms and environments, traditional religious beliefs, taboos

Kipsigis Cultural Values in Birth Names

2025-05-06T15:51:11+03:00

The present study investigated cultural values in Kipsigis personal names of the birth name category. The study was done in Kericho and Bomet counties, Kenya, from December 2022 to August 2023. A total of 20 personal names were collected and analyzed using the anthroponym-pragma-semio-semantic decompositional theory which proposes that a name is first broken down into its various morphological components so as to arrive at its meaning. The birth names were analyzed and sub-categorized into time birth names, season names, location names and ancestral names. Each name is broken down into its various morphemes and the literal meaning is established. From this analysis several morphological processes are noted such as prefixation, compounding involving several word classes and deverbalization. From the process of prefixation, the feature of gender is brought out whereby names of boy begin with kip- and girls’ names beginning with chep-. Several cultural implications were brought out which include the need to mark history surrounding the birth of a child, herdsman culture and belief in the supernatural.

Keywords: meaning, cultural implications, values, herdsman culture