RELIGION AND ITS MEANING ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN KENYA
Abstract
Mental illness is becoming an increasingly common concern in today's culture, particularly among young individuals. Young adults are at a point in their lives where existential questions are a major issue. Existential questions include the purpose of life, life after death, the existence of God, and other fundamental topics that do not have a single, definitive answer. Meaning-making and purpose in life are significant contributors to an individual's mental well-being. This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of religion on mental health among young adults in Kisii County, Kenya, with a sample of 300 participants chosen using stratified random selection. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, which was then analysed using statistical software. Qualitative insights were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with mental health practitioners and religious leaders, with major themes identified using thematic analysis. Regression analyses show that religious beliefs (β = .45), religious practices (β = .30), and community support (β = .40) positively impact mental health outcomes, while anxiety (β = -.25) and depression (β = -.35) negatively impact mental health ratings among young adults in Kisii County. Life satisfaction has a substantial positive correlation (β = .50) with religious involvement, emphasizing the significance of spirituality and community in improving general well‑being. It is suggested that mental health therapies for young adults in Kisii County include and promote religious involvement and community support as critical components for improving psychological well-being and resilience.
Keywords
Culture, religious beliefs, anxiety, depression.
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
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