Relationship between safety awareness, preparedness and psychological adjustment of the survivors of arson attacks in high schools in Nairobi County

Abstract

Arson in high schools is a global phenomenon. In Kenya the history goes back to 1908. To date no solution has been found. In June and July 2016, more than 130 high schools were set on fire and this elicited a national outcry. Fires cause destruction of property, death and psychological trauma to those affected and cost the economy millions of shillings in repairs, relocation to other facilities, replacement of lost items and reconstruction. Over the decades, survivors, who may be subdued by health implications remain unknown. This has put the future of the youths in jeopardy, their communities in perpetual anxiety and the national educational goals, including, objectives of vision 2030 in doubt. It is for these reasons that the study seeks to find the best ways the survivors could make their lives sufferable, set goals, achieve targets and effectively participate in national development. The primary objective of the research was to determine the relationship between safety awareness, preparedness and psychological adjustment of the survivors of arson attacks in high schools in Nairobi County. This research adopted a descriptive survey design to execute it. Snowball sampling technique was applied. The study population will comprise of high schools including students. The study used selfadministered questionnaires for students to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics then statistical package for social sciences. Hypothesis was analyzed by Pearson product moment, Correlations (r) and step wise regression technique. Qualitative data from open ended questions were read, paying attention to ideas, documents and concepts from respondents. Field notes was edited and written based on content and theme and analyzed accordingly. The study adopted social support theory. The theory states that the support an individual survivor receives from the social networks boosts the individual survivors’ resilience and promotes health wellness and psychological adjustment. There is a relationship between social support and individual health. The outcome of the study will have implications on policy and theory. On policy the study helped to identify gaps in the current understanding of arson survivors in schools and will assist education planners, administrators and those responsible for education in formulation of adequate policy framework. Key Words: safety awareness, preparedness, psychological adjustment, arson attacks