📄 Abstract
This study examined the association between chaplaincy counselling services and students’ mental health in public secondary schools in Soin Sigowet Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya. A correlational research design employing a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from students using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews to provide contextual understanding of students’ experiences with chaplaincy counselling. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and simple linear regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicated a moderate positive association between chaplaincy counselling services and students’ mental health (r=0.560). Simple regression analysis further showed that the association was statistically significant, with chaplaincy counselling services accounting for a significant proportion of the observed variation in students’ mental-health outcomes (R² = .314). Qualitative findings complemented these results, with students describing chaplains as accessible sources of emotional, spiritual and interpersonal support and as persons with whom they could discuss personal, academic and relational concerns. The study concludes that chaplaincy counselling services are significantly and positively associated with students’ mental health in the study setting. However, given the cross-sectional design, the findings do not establish a causal relationship. The study recommends strengthening accessible and confidential chaplaincy counselling, enhancing chaplains’ capacity in adolescent psychosocial support, and establishing clear referral linkages with qualified mental-health professionals.
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📚 How to Cite:
Stanley Kiprono Mutai, Dr. Philip Rono, Dr. Philip Rotich , INFLUENCE OF CHAPLAINCY COUNSELLING SERVICES ON STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOIN SIGOWET SUB-COUNTY, KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA , Volume 13 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Environmental Economics, Commerce and Educational Management(ECEM) , Pages: 90 - 96 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra31698