THE DEVELOPMENT OF

THE STUDENT COUNSELING NEEDS SCALE (SCNS)

A Dissertation
presented to
the Faculty of Graduate School
University of Missouri-Columbia

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

by
PIUS N.NYUTU

Dr. Norman Gysbers, Dissertation Supervisor

AUGUST 2007
© Copyright by Pius N. Nyutu 2006
All Rights Reserved
The undersigned, appointed by the Dean of Graduate School,
have examined the dissertation entitled

THE DEVELOPMENT OF
THE STUDENT COUNSELING NEEDS SCALE

presented by Pius N. Nyutu

a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

and hereby certify that in their opinion it is worthy of

acceptance

_________________________________________
Norman C. Gysbers, Ph.D.

_________________________________________
Glenn E. Good, Ph.D.

_________________________________________
Mary Heppner, Ph.D.

_________________________________________
Richard T. Lapan, Ph.D.

_________________________________________
Ibitola Pearce, Ph.D.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My passion to conduct this study was fueled by the

encouragement and support I have received from individuals

and institutions. I owe a lot of gratitude to my advisor

Dr. Norman Gysbers for his guidance, encouragement, and

mentorship. He has supported me all the way in my doctoral

studies and ensured that I have progressed successfully

towards personal and professional fulfillment.

I want to thank the members of my doctoral committee,

Dr. Norman Gysbers, Dr. Mary Heppner, Dr. Glenn Good, Dr.

Richard Lapan, and Dr. Ibitola Pearce, for their caring,

support and commitment. They have provided me with

guidance, counsel, and feedback ensuring that I completed

all the stages of my training and this dissertation

fruitfully. I wish you success in your work and may you

always draw joy in helping many other students.

I want to thank the department of Educational, School,

and Counseling Psychology for the support it has offered me

especially through assistantships and travel awards. I

would not have dreamed of traveling to Kenya for data

collection, were it not for the support of the department.

I will always treasure my experiences there and remember

ii
the department as my home away from home. The faculty,

staff, and students in the department have assisted me in

many ways and ensured that I felt welcome in the United

States.

Many individuals have offered me extraordinary

support, encouragement, advice, morale boost, and

friendship in the process of conducting this study. My

friend Fr. Bernard Miring’u Kiarie provided me with

accommodation and a vehicle for almost three months when I

went to Kenya to collect data. Your generosity is unmatched

and I will always remain indebted to you. I extend my

thanks to Fr. Ben’s staff for their assistance in copying

and printing survey items. While in Kenya I had two

research assistants, Kiarie and John who worked hard to

learn about data administration and entry. I really

appreciate your work and pray that your dreams of further

education will be fulfilled soon.

Special thanks go to the item evaluation team: Pius

Kiongo, Wanjiku, Fr. Kanai, Srs. Nganda, Candida, and

Sabina. Although you all evaluated the items separately,

your feedback and suggestions were very helpful. I

appreciate the assistance of the following schools in

Kenya: Aga Khan, Dagoretti, Friend’s Kimilili, Kahuhia,

iii
Kangaru, Kiambu, Precious Blood, and Our Lady of Mercy. The

Ministry of Education also supported my study and ensured

that I was able to access all high schools in Kenya.

As I analyzed data, I received a lot of assistance

from Ze Wang and Ray Bacon at the Statistics Laboratory.

Thank you Ze for being so patient with me and very generous

with your time.

I want to thank my friends in the United States and

Kenya for your moral support. Dr. Mallinckrodt and Susan

have always welcomed me to their house. Malachi, my

roommate has been very supportive. My friends Andrew,

Emily, Eri, David, Gonza, Jane, Lily, Lizette, Pedro, and

Frs. Murimi, Wekesa and Waweru, have all at times offered

me encouragement in one form or another.

I express my gratitude to mentors and work colleagues

for their support including Dr. Puncky Heppner, Dr. Flores,

Dr. Civiletto, Dr. Looby, Dr. Alfred, Dr. Williamson, Dr.

Koller, and Dr. Weston. Others I cannot forgot are my

fellow graduate students Bonita, Dan, Julie, Heather, Yi-

Jiun, Young-Ju, GSN members, ABGPS members, and many others

for your kind words and moral support. As I worked at

Career Center, CAMHPS, CMRTC, MU Counseling Center, and did

practicum at Family Counseling Center, I received a lot of

iv
support from staff and fellow students. Thank you all for

your encouragement.

Finally, I want to express love to my family, Hanna

and George Nyutu my parents, my siblings Salome, Cecilia,

Charity, and Mwangi, and my grand mothers for their prayers

and support. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful

family.

I dedicate this dissertation to all that I have

mentioned and many others that contributed to my success.

It is my hope that this study is only a beginning of many

more to come, and that your support will bear fruit

tremendously.

Pius Nyutu

August, 2007

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................ii

LIST OF TABLES...........................................ix

ABSTRACT..................................................x

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION.........................................1

Purpose of the Study

Research Questions and Hypothesis

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE................................10

Introduction

Guidance Programs in the Development of Young People

Student Guidance and Counseling Needs

Assessment of Guidance and Counseling Needs

The Kenyan Secondary School Student

Conclusion

3. METHOD..............................................47

Participants

Instrument Development

Procedures

Statistical Analysis

4. RESULTS.............................................62

vi
 Data Screening

Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Exploratory Factor Analysis

Reliability Estimates

Additional Analysis

5. DISCUSSION..........................................79

Discussion of Results from Hypothesis Testing

Implications of the Findings

Implications for the Development of Guidance

and Counseling Programs

Implications for Future Research

Limitations of the Study

Summary of Findings

REFERENCES .............................................104

APPENDIX

A. Summary of Recommendations from Pilot

Study Participants...............................120

B. Catell’s Scree Plot................................123

C. Distribution of normalized residuals...............124

D. Rank order of the 10 largest residuals.............125

E. Pilot Study Questionnaire..........................126

F. Main Study Questionnaire...........................133

G. School Principal’s Informed Consent and Approval

for the Study....................................139

vii
 H. Informed Consent...................................140

I. SCNS Oral Script...................................142

VITA....................................................143

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1. Numbers of Schools that Experienced Unrest by

Province in the Year 2000/2001..................113

2. Goodness-of-fit Indicators for the SCNS

Hypothetical Model for the 96 Items.............114

3. Item, Component Loading, Communality Estimates,

Means, and Standard Deviations for the
Five-Factor Student Counseling Scale............115

4. Means, Standard Deviations, and Coefficient

Alpha Reliability Estimates.....................117

5. Correlations between Human Relationships,

Career Development, Social Values, Self
Development, and Learning Skills Subscales......118

6. Two-Way ANOVA Summary Table for Gender and

Form Differences................................119

ix
 THE DEVELOPMENT OF
THE STUDENT COUNSELING NEEDS SCALE

Pius N. Nyutu

Dr. Norman C. Gysbers, Dissertation Supervisor

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument

that can be used in the identification of guidance and

counseling needs of secondary school students in Kenya.

The Student Counseling Needs Scale (SCNS) is a 52-item

inventory which assesses the guidance and counseling needs

of secondary school students in Kenya. The initial items

were pilot-tested with a group of 74 students that attended

a co-educational high school in Kenya and then revised for

the main study. Data from 867 participants (423 males and

444 females) recruited from seven provincial schools in

Kenya was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)

and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Five factors, human

relationships, career development, self development, social

values, and learning skills were assessed.

Alpha coefficients for five SCNS subscales ranged from

.83 to .88, and .94 for the whole scale. Additional

analysis revealed differences by gender and school in the

way students rate their needs for guidance and counseling.

x
The findings highlighted the importance of using assessment

instruments in identification of students counseling needs.

The findings also supported the recommendation that Kenya

should develop guidance and counseling programs in all

schools to address students’ needs. Additional research is

needed to further clarify the reliability and validity of

SCNS with students in district, national, and private

schools.

xi
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

In March 2001, 67 boys of Kyanguli Secondary School in

Kenya died when other students set their dormitory on fire

(ANB-BIA Supplement Issue, 2001). In this incident, some

students, locked the dormitory door, doused the building in

petrol and set it on fire while their colleagues were

asleep inside. In the same year in July, seven arsonists

reportedly overpowered two watchmen guarding the Lelmokwo

Secondary School before petrol-bombing the 116 capacity

dormitory, killing one student and seriously injuring 53

others. By the end of July that year, more than 30

secondary schools in Kenya had been closed following a

series of riots, strikes and arson attacks.

This trend of school violence had continued from the

preceding years. In March 2000, 26 girls had been killed in

an arson attack in Bombolulu Girls Secondary School, while

the year before two students had been killed in Nyeri High

School (Daily Nation, August 7, 2000). Over the years,

there have been increased reports of school violence in the

media. For instance, the Africa News Bulletin (ANB-BIA

Supplement Issue, 2001) reported that, between May 1999 and

1
July 2001, the frequency of arson incidents in Kenyan

schools increased to alarming levels. In 2004, over 25

schools in Machakos District went on strike leading to the

death of one student and destruction of property worth over

Ksh. 30 million ($ 430,000.00) (Mwanzia & Mudi, 2005). In

the same month, two neighboring schools in Kisii District

were closed within a week after students went on rampage

(Daily Nation, 2004). Apart from incidents of school

violence, reports about other types of school unrest have

also increased. One event took place in July 2001 when 700

girls from Nairobi’s Alliance High School — one of the top

schools in the country — marched through the streets of the

city to protest the deteriorating situation in the school

(ANB-BIA Supplement Issue, 2001).

Increased substance abuse, break-up of cultural norms,

stress from overloaded curriculum, lack of guidance from

parents and teachers, and general lawlessness in the

country, have been proposed as some of the reasons that

have led to increased violence in schools (Buku & Mwanzia,

2004; Kariuki, 2004; Mwanzia & Mudi, 2005; Waihenya, 2000).

Since Kenya became independent from the British colonial

government in 1963, significant changes have been made in

the economy, education, health, culture, society and

politics. Despite this progress, Kenya is still

2
experiencing problems as it tries to balance between the

diverse cultural traditions and the need for global

modernization (Bureau of African Affairs, 2003). The rate

of economic growth has especially slowed in the recent

years (Abagi & Odipo, 2003), hence limiting the

availability of resources. There have been cases of poor

governance, increased ethnic tension and conflict, and

increased gender related violence (Abagi, Olweya & Otieno,

2000). Changes in the family and society are also providing

a major challenge to education as a social institution for

change and development (Abagi, Olwega & Otieno, 2000).

Since parents bear the bigger burden of educating their

children (Abagi & Odipo, 2003), more parents are spending

their time on economic activities and less time with their

children. Kenyan schools are starting to deal daily with

the consequences of violence, drugs, dysfunctional

families, teenage pregnancy, truancy, juvenile delinquency,

and underachievement (Atemi, 2000; Kariuki, 2004).

The Ministry of Education in Kenya has tried to

respond by introducing the teaching of a subject called

Social Education and Ethics in schools. Although the

purpose of this subject is to enable students to acquire

knowledge and skills in personal development and awareness,

this purpose may not be achieved by all since the subject

3
remains optional in schools. The Ministry has also allowed

the teaching of religious education in public schools to

students who opt for the subject. The rationale for the

teaching of religious education has been based on the

argument that 95 percent of population of Kenya is

religious (Maxon, 2004; The World Fact Book, 2004), and

that the teaching of the subject impacts moral guidance.

Empirical studies on the effectiveness of the teaching of

these two subjects in Kenyan schools are lacking. There is

need for effective programs that can help alleviate these

problems (Abagi, et al., 2000; Koech Report, 2000; Njeru &

Orodho, 2003).

Since Kenyan schools continue to experience problems

related to student developmental needs, it is the view of

this study that Kenya can benefit from examining and

replicating guidance programs that have been found

effective elsewhere. An examination of literature has

revealed that, guidance and counseling programs are being

used in schools in different parts of the world such as

United States (Gysbers, 2004), Hong Kong (Circular

Memorandum 108, 2002), and Botswana (Navin, 1989). In the

United States, comprehensive school guidance and counseling

programs have been established in over 35 States. The

American School Counselor Association (1997) observed that,

4
guidance programs have been established to respond to the

challenging needs of students today and the rising

expectations of society. Since many children are entering

school with emotional, physical, and interpersonal barriers

to learning, the emphasis of guidance and counseling

programs is on developmental skill building right from the

time students enter school and continues as they progress

through the grades (American School Counselor Association,

1997). Since Kenyan students are experiencing emotional,

physical and personal problems (Njeru & Orodho, 2003),

instituting school guidance and counseling programs similar

to those present in the U.S. may help in alleviating these

problems.

In developing school guidance and counseling programs,

there is need to identify the specific areas that students

will acquire competencies after participating in the

programs. One way to do this would be to identify the needs

of students, and then group them into content areas for

implementation of the programs. The three content areas

emphasized in the comprehensive school guidance and

counseling programs are: academic, career, and personal

development (Gysbers, 2004). Similar emphasis areas for

student needs have also been used in some African countries

5
such as Botswana (Navin, 1989) and Nigeria (Ahia & Bradley,

1984).

At present, there are no officially established or

government approved guidance and counseling programs in the

Kenyan education system. Some schools have started guidance

and counseling programs that are aimed at responding to

student needs usually in times of crisis. In such programs,

some of the teachers are requested by the school

administration to take the role of guidance and counseling.

Students who are encountering personal problems then go to

the identified teachers to discuss their problems. Since

there are no specific facilities and time set aside for

these discussions, the availability of such teachers is

minimal, hence not many students use the opportunity. In

schools where facilities are available, the teachers are

not properly trained to deal with the issues the students

present. To avoid this procedure of just responding to

students’ needs in times of crisis, there is a need to have

a proper system for identifying the problems that students

have. Strong guidance and counseling programs will then be

established to respond to students’ needs in a structured

way.

There is a need to identify the current needs of

students in Kenya as a starting point. By identifying such

6
needs, then it will be possible to develop guidance and

counseling programs that address them directly and also

provide important information for further development of

the program.

Student needs can be identified from different

perspectives. In Botswana, general conferences were held to

collect the views from the public. Then separate

questionnaires were used to survey the primary school

teachers, secondary school teachers, and secondary school

students (Navin, 1989). Since schools in Kenya are managed

through a partnership between the Ministry of Education,

administrators, teachers, parents, students, and the

community, it is important to assess student counseling

needs from these different perspectives. Initial studies

could begin with students since they are the direct

recipients of guidance and counseling services. Instruments

that have been developed to examine student guidance and

counseling needs can then be modified to collect views from

parents, teachers, and school administrators.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument

that can be used to assess the guidance and counseling

needs of secondary school students in Kenya. Data collected

was used to examine the reliability and validity of the

7
instrument in identifying the needs. Further analysis

determined whether the identified guidance and counseling

needs can be grouped into the three content areas of

academic development, career development, and personal

development. The information obtained from the findings

will be used in the development of a school guidance and

counseling program that can be established in the Kenyan

education system. The validated instrument will be used as

a beginning point in the development of guidance and

counseling programs. Specifically, the instrument will

assess students’ counseling needs at various stages in

their high school education. The findings of the study will

also be used to offer recommendations to the Kenya

Institute of Education and institutions of higher learning

on the development of training programs for school guidance

and counseling personnel.

Research Questions and Hypothesis

This study seeks to answer the following questions:

Can a scale be reliably used to identify the counseling

needs of high school students in Kenya? Can the counseling

needs of high school students in Kenya be grouped into the

three content areas of academic/educational,

career/vocational, and personal/social needs? What factors

8
influence the way high school students in Kenya state their

counseling needs?

The five hypothesis of the study are: (1) the

identified counseling needs of secondary school students in

Kenya fall into three content areas of academic, career and

personal development, (2) the SCNS can be reliably applied

in identifying the counseling needs of high school students

in Kenya, (3) there are no significant differences between

male and female high school students in Kenya in the

identification of guidance and counseling needs, (4) there

are no significant differences between high school students

at different Form levels in Kenya on expression of their

guidance and counseling needs, and (5) there are no

significant differences between students in different

schools in identification of guidance and counseling needs.

9
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Introduction

This chapter examines the literature on the assessment

of guidance and counseling needs among secondary school

students. Since research on guidance and counseling needs

has been conducted from different perspectives with regard

to purpose, participants, design, methods, instruments, and

projected outcomes, this chapter evaluates the implications

of these studies. Other aspects such as the practicality of

location setting, social and political systems, and even

applicability of replica studies in Africa are also

discussed.

The chapter is divided into three main sections. The

first part focuses on defining and describing guidance and

counseling programs in schools and their role in the

development of young people. Comprehensive guidance and

counseling programs that have been established in the

United States and other parts of the world such as Hong

Kong are examined. The section also focuses on the emphasis

of these programs on three content areas (academic, career,

and personal/social domains) in the identification of

10
student counseling needs. The second part focuses on the

applicability of counseling and guidance programs in Kenya.

Studies conducted in various African countries are analyzed

to identify issues that may be specific to the African

situation in the assessment of students’ needs, and the

implications of their findings on conducting similar

studies on the Kenyan student population. The third part

examines various methods applied in assessment of guidance

and counseling needs among students. The different types of

designs and instruments used by past studies in assessment

of students’ needs are identified and discussed. The

chapter ends with a brief synthesis of the implications of

the findings from the literature review, and discusses how

these findings apply to the present study.

Guidance Programs in the

Development of Young People

The World Education Forum held in Dakar Senegal

(April, 2000) re-affirmed the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child

by stating:

That all children, young people and adults have

the human right to benefit from an education that
will meet their basic learning needs in the best
and fullest sense of the term, an education that
includes learning to know, to do, to live
together and to be. It is an education geared to
tapping each individual's talents and potential

11
 and developing learners' personalities, so that
they can improve their lives and transform their
societies. (UNESCO, 2000, p.8).

Developmental needs of children may be similar

globally, but children and adolescents in school develop at

different rates and in a variety of domains (Paisley &

Hubbard, 1994). Such domains include cognitive development,

ethical reasoning, conceptual level, psychosocial

development, interpersonal development, and career

development (Paisley & Hubbard, 1994; Schmidt, 1999).

Different methods are therefore applied by different

countries in meeting the objectives of education. For

instance, some countries have established guidance and

counseling programs in schools to help students in the

process of personal development. An examination of

literature has revealed that guidance and counseling

programs are being used in schools in countries such as the

United States (Gysbers, 2004), Hong Kong (Circular

Memorandum 108, 2002), and Botswana (Navin, 1989). Such

programs have been structured to respond to the needs of

students in the specific regions. There is also a

continuous evaluation and modification of established

programs to suit the needs of students in particular

situations (Mickey, 1999).

12
 In the U.S., comprehensive guidance and counseling

programs have been established in at least 35 different

states. The goal of the comprehensive guidance and

counseling program is to provide all students with life

success skills (American School Counselor Association,

1997). These programs are developmental in nature, and

assist students to acquire and use life-long skills through

the development of academic, career, self-awareness, and

interpersonal communication skills. The American School

Counselor Association in announcing the national standards

for school counseling programs categorized the student

developmental needs into three broad areas: academic

development, career development, and personal development

(American School Counselor Association, 1997).

Comprehensive guidance and counseling programs emphasize

these three areas as the content to be mastered by students

(Gysbers, 2004; Gysbers & Henderson, 2006). The major

elements of the program are content, organizational

framework, resource development, management, and

accountability (Gysbers & Henderson, 2006). There is a

built-in evaluation process in this model that includes

continuous assessment of student needs grouped into the

three content areas of academic, career, and

personal/social.

13
 The Hong Kong model, which is based on the United

State’s comprehensive guidance and counseling program,

groups the content into four key learning areas for student

personal growth by including a social development aspect

(Circular Memorandum 108, 2002). The inclusion of social

development as a domain rather than include it together

with personal development as in the U. S. model, is an

example of how guidance and counseling programs can be

structured to meet situational needs.

Formulating programs that are applicable to diverse

issues is especially important since research has indicated

that issues of diversity can influence the stated needs of

young people in different situations (Moon, 2002; Tahhan &

Eitah, 2002). Guidance and counseling programs have already

been found to be successful with diverse groups (Nishimura,

1997) and therefore serve as good models for the

development of similar programs elsewhere.

Content Areas

In developing a comprehensive guidance and counseling

program, there is need to identify the specific areas in

which students will acquire competencies after

participating in the program. Assessment of students’ needs

can then be structured around these areas. In this

section, the three content areas identified by the

14
comprehensive guidance and counseling program used in the

United States are described.

Academic development

The ASCA National Model (2003) highlighted the

competencies that students should acquire within the

academic content area. These include acquiring attitudes,

knowledge, and skills that contribute to effective learning

in school and across the life span. As students complete

school, they will be prepared to choose from a wide range

of postsecondary options including college. Students are

also enabled to understand the relationship between what

they have learned in school and the world of work (Gysbers

& Henderson, 2006). To gain these competencies, student

activities then may consist of: (a) application of

effective study skills that help students to develop

positive attitudes toward school and life-long learning,

(b) setting educational and life goals, (c) learning

effectively, and (d) gaining test-taking skills (ICES/ISCA

Task Force, 1996, p. 28).

In the academic content area, students therefore gain

skills for academic success. Activities and experiences

that develop student competencies that lead to educational

success are arranged and provided (Schmidt, 1999). Paisley

and Hayes (2003) emphasized that it is especially important

15
for school personnel to establish responsive policies and

initiate strategies that assist students in meeting higher

academic standards. Such strategies should also prevent

students from leaving school prior to graduation. However

caution should be taken when establishing such strategies

since some tracking and placement practices may further

discriminate and disenfranchise at-risk students rather than

help them to overcome their academic difficulties (Fusick,

2004). Understanding the needs of students at various

developmental and academic stages may therefore enable

school personnel to provide the most appropriate services.

Career development

In the career development content area, students learn

about career and life planning by participating in

activities that target acquiring competencies necessary in

exploring career possibilities and opportunities (Sharf,

1997). The activities in career development consist of: (a)

planning a career identity, (b) planning for the future by

establishing goals and developing a plan of action, (c)

combating career stereotyping by understanding the

continuing changes of male/female roles, and (d) analyzing

the skills and interests that go with particular jobs in

preparation for an effective school-to-work transition

(ICES/ISCA Task Force, 1996, p. 27). Super and Nevill

16
(1984) perceived the relative significance attributed to

the five roles of work, community, family, leisure, and

study as having important implications for career

counseling. Through career development, students acquire

skills to investigate the world of work in relation to

knowledge of self and make informed career decisions. They

also employ strategies to achieve future career success and

satisfaction. Career development also enables students to

understand the relationship between personal qualities,

education and training, and the world of work (ASCA

National Model, 2003; Gysbers & Henderson, 2006).

Career development involves nurturing the students’

dreams and defining the pathways for fulfilling those

dreams (Paisley & Hayes, 2003). The career development

process should therefore be at all levels of education and

also outside the formal system. In emphasizing the role of

education in career development of individuals, some

authors have noted that, it consists of a lifelong process

of developing work values, acquiring skills and learning

about opportunities (Feller, 2003; Obadofin, 2001). To aid

students in this process, the ASCA model proposed using

strategies such as goal setting, the creation of academic

counseling groups, and the development of career centers

(Fusick, 2004). The career building and management emphasis

17
is therefore about helping students become healthy, self-

reliant citizens who are able to cope with constant change

at work as well as maintain balance between life and work

roles (Feller, 2003). This process enables students to be in

charge of their own careers, understand how to maintain

stability, and adapt to change by having enough flexibility.

Career management helps them develop the skills needed to

make appropriate choices, at all times, in all aspects of

their lives (Feller, 2003).

Personal/social development

The personal/social development content area involves

students learning about themselves and others (Schmidt,

1999). The activities include: (a) learning to understand,

accept and respect self (Poppen & Thomson, 1974), (b)

developing positive attitudes through identifying,

prioritizing, and evaluating values, (c) understanding and

making appropriate decisions regarding drug/alcohol,

tobacco, and use of other harmful substances, (d)

developing a respect for cultural diversity, (e) learning

how to behave responsibly in family, school, and the

community in general, (f) development of relationship

skills, (g) acquiring skills to resolve conflicts in a safe

and responsible manner, and (h) developing effective ways

to cope with violence in order to ensure personal safety

18
(ICES/ISCA Task Force, 1996, p. 27). Through

personal/social development, students acquire the

attitudes, knowledge, and interpersonal skills to help them

understand and respect self and others. They also make

decisions, set goals, and take the necessary action to

achieve the goals. Personal/social development also enables

them to understand safety and survival skills (Gysbers &

Henderson, 2006).

Schools need to be prepared to provide interventions

that assist students presenting with social and emotional

needs that may interfere with their academic success. For

instance, addressing the root causes of fear, anxiety, and

danger among student populations rather than simply adding

conventional security measures at schools, may help to

genuinely change the school environment and student

potential for the better (Fusick, 2004). Some authors have

suggested some specific strategies to identify and

understand the problems that students present with.

Eschenauer, Chen-Hayes, and Stuart (2005) recommended using

functional behavioral assessments to assist students in

defining their problems, while Abrams, Theberge, and Karan

(2005) recommended using the ecological model. The

ecological model provides a systematic and comprehensive

approach to understanding the "bigger picture," namely

19
identifying those personal/environmental factors

contributing to a student's problems. It also enables

school personnel to simultaneously recognize and carefully

modify the delicate balance between the student and the

systems of people, places, and things that interact both

directly and indirectly with that student.

Understanding the career needs, as well as educational

and personal needs of students helps in designing proper

techniques to respond to the need (Mickey, 1999). The

process of identifying student needs is therefore

structured around these content areas. While some

techniques may help to deal with the needs on a global

nature, other techniques may particularly be applicable to

the three content areas of guidance and counseling:

academic, career and personal development.

Student Guidance and Counseling Needs

This section analyses the processes that have been

used in identifying and responding to students’ guidance

and counseling needs in African countries. Since there are

no officially established guidance and counseling programs

in the Kenyan school system currently, it is important to

study and understand what works elsewhere in Africa. This

section therefore examines the process used in establishing

guidance and counseling programs in countries where they

20
are present such as Botswana, Nigeria, and South Africa.

The procedures these countries used to establish these

programs by first identifying students’ needs, and then

developing programs, are examined. The implications of

developing similar programs in Kenya are then discussed.

Particular attention is given to issues that may arise in

replicating these procedures in assessment of students’

needs in Kenya.

The African Situation

Some aspects common to communities in Africa, such as

cultural traditions, dictate the procedure for guiding and

teaching young people. For instance, it is the role of the

community, especially the elders, to impart moral guidance

to the youth (Mbiti, 1975). Schools therefore do not feel

obligated to take up this role. The traditional process of

guidance and counseling in Africa also seems to differ from

the processes applied in other parts of the world. The

African situation is best described by Mpofu (1994):

The African scenario presents the typical third

world context of counseling where a minuscule of
formally qualified counselors provide service
alongside (if not in competition with)
traditional counselor networks with firm roots in
extended family cultures, clans and beliefs in
omnipotent supernatural forces at the behest of
medicine man or diviners which control the lives
of people. (p. 312).

21
 Attempts at establishing accredited counseling

practice in Africa therefore tend to remain out of

connection with mainstream counseling research. Even as

African countries strive to develop economically and

modernize their institutions under the stimulus of western

influences, values and religions, commitment to cultural

traditions seems to have remained strong among many

communities (Buhrmann, 1985). Due to disruption of

traditional cultural life and the introduction of western

systems and values during the colonial era, people in

Africa are faced with a conflicting situation in terms of

values. Various researchers have attempted to study this

situation by trying to understand the personal and social

problems emanating from the conflict of values (Bourdillon,

1987; Mbiti, 1975). Mbiti (1975) especially noted that,

while it is important for Kenyans to maintain the cultural

traditions that govern their social lives, they cannot at

the same time avoid moving on with the rest of the world in

terms of technology and economic development.

In the process of establishing counseling services in

Kenya, there is a need to first understand the underlying

factors that influence peoples’ beliefs and perceptions

about such practices. It is especially important to

understand the economical, socio-political, religious

22
beliefs, customs and traditions, and cultural changes that

are present in different regions of the country. Young

people should be understood within this context, but also

in the paradoxical situation that they find themselves

faced with the traditional and the modern world.

A review of literature has revealed that the various

factors mentioned above have been considered in the process

of developing guidance and counseling programs in some

parts of Africa. In Nigeria, economic activities and

developments have caused social and cultural changes and

challenges as people strive for economic survival,

sufficiency, stability, and supremacy (Ahia & Bradley,

1984). The impact of such changes has forced students to

study under higher anxiety levels than in earlier years.

The government in Nigeria has responded by calling for

establishment of counseling and guidance in all schools.

While the establishment of guidance and counseling programs

seems important, governments in Africa should also provide

necessary contextual changes to the improve people’s lives

so that guidance and counseling programs can be effective.

In South Africa, the political history had for a long

time dictated the career patterns of the citizens before

the break up of apartheid (Mathabe & Temane, 1993). The

effects of that system continue to have an influence on the

23
job structure that is present in the country even today

although many changes have occurred. The improvements made

have resulted from the work of various commissions on

career education. The findings and recommendations of these

commissions are in consonance with contemporary career

development theories which conceptualize career development

as, “an acquisition of conglomerate of skills, functional

in various life roles” (Mathabe & Temane, 1993, p. 28).

This study identified a number of problems which hinder the

implementation of career counseling programs in South

Africa. Some of the problems are lack of training for

teachers, lack of career identity in the school system, and

the understanding of the career concept as something in the

future hence lacking a linkage to learning in schools.

An assessment and analysis of the guidance needs and

expectations of students in high schools of Bophuthatswana

in South Africa (Mathabe & Temane, 1993) clearly

demonstrated that there was an urgent need for guidance in

work, educational, personal and social issues. Specific

needs identified in these areas were: (a) human

relationships in the adult-adult, adult-child, parent-

child, and teacher-child contexts, (b) assessment of modern

and traditional values, (c) career guidance, (d) moral

24
education, (e) community identity, (f) parent involvement,

and (g) curriculum assessment and adjustment.

Nigeria and South Africa share similarities with

Kenya, in that the systems of education are based on the

British education system established before independence.

The needs of the students in the three countries are

therefore likely to be similar. Kenya can therefore benefit

from replicating the processes of identifying students’

needs within the guidance programs instituted in Nigeria

and South Africa.

The country of Botswana shares the closest resemblance

to Kenya in terms of the development of education. Botswana

became independent from British protectorate in 1966 around

the same time that Kenya gained its self-rule from the

British colonial government (1964). Though the education

systems in the two countries were established by the

British colonial government, Botswana has made significant

progress in the area of guidance and counseling in schools

since there is an established program.

The initial efforts in guidance and counseling in

Botswana occurred around 1963 when a workshop on career

guidance was held in Gaborone for selected secondary school

teachers (Navin, 1989). Following this meeting, Career

Masters were identified in each secondary school in the

25
country, and continued to be responsible for providing

secondary school students with career and higher education

information. Later workshops were focused on assessing the

status of guidance and counseling in the country,

determining the needs, and developing recommendations

(Navin, 1989). A follow-up study was also conducted to

identify guidance and counseling needs (Navin, 1989). The

findings revealed varying needs as perceived by teachers

and students. Secondary school students in particular

identified identical problems, namely: failure to

understand subject matter, personal problems, finances,

career choice, and choosing school subjects (Navin, 1989).

The similarity of the education systems between Kenya and

Botswana gives support to the idea that secondary school

students in Kenya would also indicate similar problems.

It is evident that assessment of student needs in

Africa has focused on identifying needs centered on

educational counseling needs, career/vocational counseling

needs, and personal counseling needs (Ahia & Bradley, 1984;

Ocansey, 2000). Furthermore, the counseling problem

typologies of personal, educational and employment concerns

have also been used by the Zimbabwe Schools Psychological

Services to advise schools and communities on a variety of

counseling needs (Mpofu, 1994). These typologies therefore

26
can be meaningful and relevant in the investigation of

student counseling needs. Other studies have indicated that

student needs centered on the three content areas are not

specific to secondary school students, but also to college

students as well (Jennings, 1995; Nicholas, 2002). African

students therefore seem to have similar needs even at

different levels of education. Assessing students’

counseling needs at lower levels of education, such as

secondary school, will help in setting appropriate programs

that respond to their needs and prepare them for other

higher levels of education.

The Kenyan situation

Like many other African countries that attained

independence within the last 50 years, Kenya is still

striving to develop economically (Bureau of African

Affairs, 2003). Some of the issues that Kenya face in

common with these countries are poverty, illiteracy,

unemployment, political instability, high mortality caused

by diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, and the need for

global modernization (Abagi & Odipo, 2003; Bureau of

African Affairs, 2003). These socio-economical situations

have a major impact on the progress of education especially

among the youth. Since schools lack adequate facilities

important for effective learning and development of the

27
youth, they mostly direct the minimal resources to teaching

in classrooms. Other important aspects in youth development

such as guidance and counseling are therefore set aside or

looked upon as an added burden since they may require

resources that are not available.

To achieve high economical development that is

important for improvement of daily living, the current

government in Kenya is focusing on uplifting literacy

levels. The government has therefore not only declared

education compulsory for the first eight grades of primary

school but also funds all public primary schools. This is

especially important since research indicates that informal

sector workers in Kenya with primary education are one-

third more productive than workers who have not attained

this level of education (Kenyaweb, 2004). Although 91

percent of school-age children attend primary school,

factors such as cost, performance in examinations, and

inadequate facilities prevent large numbers of students

from continuing with secondary and college education

(Maxon, 2004). Examinations taken at the end of the 8th and

12th grades determine whether students will be admitted into

the few high schools and universities. More emphasis is

therefore being put on performance in national examinations

and less emphasis on other factors that are also important

28
for holistic development (Abagi, 1997; Abagi, Olwega &

Otieno, 2000; Waihenya, 2000).

Education in Kenya still faces many problems and

challenges according to The Report on the Commission of

Inquiry into the Education System of Kenya (Koech Report,

2000). Some of the challenges identified in this report are

access to education, quality, relevance, dropout, and

retention. There is therefore an urgent need for Kenya to

develop a system that responds to these needs from a

holistic approach rather than focusing only on academic

achievement. Such a holistic approach may involve creating

a balance between academic development and other aspects

such as career, vocational, personal and social development

in the education system.

In Kenya, there have been increased reports in the

local newspapers about violence in secondary schools (ANB-

BIA Supplement Issue, 2001; Daily Nation, August 7, 2000).

These reports have narrated graphic accounts of bullying,

occult practices, drug abuse, and even multiple homicides

in schools (Kariuki, 2004; Oriang, 2000; Siringi, 2003).

The problem of violence in schools is not specific to one

region in the country. According to data released by the

Ministry of Education (Table 1), unrest in schools in the

years 2000 and 2001 was wide spread in all provinces.

29
 It has been suggested that the unrest in schools

indicate a need that is not being catered for currently in

the school system (Abagi, et al., 2000; Koech Report, 2000;

Njeru & Orodho, 2003). Some schools are now starting to

recognize the need for establishing programs that address

student developmental needs. Some of these schools,

especially those founded by Christian missionaries, have

started pastoral programs focused on religious awareness

and moral education (Kenya Catholic Secretariat: Personal

communication, December, 2003). These scattered efforts are

not enough to alleviate the problems however. Furthermore,

there is a need to identify the problems first and then

develop programs to respond to the needs. As has happened

in Botswana (Navin, 1989), the move to establish guidance

and counseling programs starts with studying the current

situation and investigating the needs of students. Once the

programs have been established, there is need for

continuous assessment of students’ counseling needs as they

progress through school.

Assessment of Guidance and Counseling Needs

This section highlights the various methods used in

assessing students’ counseling needs in past studies.

Issues that relate to assessment of counseling needs are

examined. The section focuses on the methods applied in the

30
identification of students’ needs and grouping them by

content areas. The implications of developing and applying

the different types of assessments are discussed. A

critical evaluation of these assessments is conducted to

identify factors that go towards preparing an instrument

that is relevant in assessing counseling needs of secondary

school students in Kenya. The section starts with an

examination of counseling needs assessments in educational

institutions in general, and then narrows down to the

assessment of secondary school students’ counseling needs.

Surveying students’ needs has multiple benefits

(Nicholas, 2002). Among these benefits are: (a) their

usefulness in developing large and small group programs

focused on the expressed student needs especially for

students who are reluctant to seek individual counseling,

(b) it is an efficient method of identifying student

concerns, and (c) to aid in the training and preparation of

counselors. Various studies have been conducted to assess

counseling needs across the world. These studies have

focused on different aspects of the student population

including different levels of education, age groups (Blake,

1982; Wagner, 1999), gifted children and their families

(Chan, 2003; Moo et al., 1997), children with disabilities

(Omizo & Omizo, 1993; Smadi & Sartawi, 1997), teachers

31
(Morrow, 1995; Mpofu, 1994)), cultural groups

(Eleftheriadou, 1999; Dolan, 1996; Mitchell, 1991; Tahhan &

Eitah, 2002), and gender groups (Bishop et al., 1998;

Saroja, 1990).

Some of the studies have examined counseling needs in

institutions of learning for the purpose of identifying

factors that would be applied in the formulation of

programs. For instance, Tahhan and Eitah (2002) examined

the needs of students in Hashemite University in Jordan in

order to establish the need for a counseling center. Saroja

(1991) studied the counseling needs of female postgraduate

students of the University of Agricultural Sciences in

India. The findings of this study revealed that female

postgraduate students needed counseling to address academic

underachievement and adjustment to personal relations with

male students. This study therefore identified the need for

professional female counselors in the University.

Studying different multicultural groups also helps to

draw findings that identify their particular needs

(Eleftheriadou, 1999). This is because there are shared

group values and as a result different groups have

different needs but quite often they are responded to in

rather stereotypical ways which do not take into account

their individual preferences and cultural influences

32
(Eleftheriadou, 1999). Eleftheriadou therefore recommended

considering the impact of sociocultural context,

socialization patterns, religion and other social

influences on clients psychological development, without

stereotyping, and/or ignoring racial and cultural roots.

An example of how these various factors can be brought

together is found in the study conducted to assess guidance

and counseling needs in Botswana (Navin, 1989). Initially,

general conferences were held to collect peoples’ views

without following a formal interview schedule. A second

approach was applied to survey primary school teachers,

secondary school teachers, and secondary school students in

three major settings in the country, rural, urban, and

village. In addition, at the secondary school level, three

types of schools were included in the study: Government

Secondary Schools, Grant Aided Schools, and Community

Junior Secondary Schools. The method of assessment used in

Botswana may be effectively replicated in Kenya due to the

nature of its diversity in type of schools and their

geographical settings. The preliminary nature of the

present study however calls for focusing on students first,

and then expanding the assessment to other groups such as

teachers, parents, and the public.

33
 Teachers can also be an effective source for

identification of counseling needs in schools (Navin,

Yaakub & Mohamed, 1996). Tatar (1998) investigated

teachers’ perceptions and actions regarding the

psychological and counseling needs of their pupils. The

sample consisted of 258 primary school and secondary school

teachers. The findings revealed significant differences

between teachers in the two educational settings in most of

the issues investigated. Secondary schools teachers

indicated a greater need for individual counseling in

schools than primary school teachers. While secondary

school teachers stated that they are approached by students

mainly with issues associated with school life, primary

school teachers’ pupils requested more help on personal and

family issues. This difference in counseling needs

depending on educational level may help in planning for the

assessment of the counseling needs of students in Kenya

since there is a similar system of primary schools and

secondary schools.

There are various studies that have particularly

examined the counseling needs of secondary school students

(Brouzos, 1991; Hipple, 1991; Keller, 1991; Olszewski-

Kubilius & Scott, 1992). Some of the studies have focused

on identifying similarities and differences of counseling

34
needs depending on gender. For example, Bishop, Bauer, and

Becker (1998) conducted a survey of student counseling

needs at a medium-sized suburban institution in the U.S.

The findings indicated that both male and female students

need assistance with personal, career and academic

problems. A higher percentage indicated a need for

assistance with career and academic concerns than with

personal issues. Women particularly indicated they worry

more about health and safety. This shows that although

males and females may share similar counseling needs, there

are some areas where the needs may be specific to one group

as opposed to the other. The findings of this study are

particularly relevant to the Kenyan situation since most of

the secondary schools are single-sex schools. Identifying

counseling needs depending on type of school in terms of

gender will therefore aid in developing responsive services

that cater to specific groups.

The employment of different designs has also resulted

in identification of a multitude of counseling needs among

students. Some studies have applied a combination of

qualitative and survey designs (Guneri et al., 2003) while

others combined survey questionnaires and interviews

(Bishop, Bauer & Becker, 1998; Dolan, 1996). Still, others

have used a comparison of quantitative and qualitative

35
methodologies to assess counseling needs (Olszewski &

Scott, 1992; Wagner, 1999). A study focused on female

students at an Indian university (Saroja, 1991) used a

combination of general observations and case studies. The

general observations yielded data on academic problems

while specific case studies were more useful in assessing

data on personal issues such as harassment. The

disadvantage of this type of a study is that it may be time

consuming and only effective with a small group of

participants. Other methods such as the use of phone calls

may shorten the duration of the study. Rasmussen Cruz et al

(2001) used data obtained from phone calls by adolescents

to a phone counseling service offered by the Mexican Social

Security Institute in Guadalajara. Phone calls were a

preferred method in identifying adolescents’ needs since

they ensure confidentiality and anonymity. Even with such

advantages, the use of phone calls and other forms of

technology such as the internet is not very suitable for

data collection in Kenya since they are not available in

many areas.

The use of different methods while studying different

groups, even within the same region, has indicated that

different types of assessment methods can be effective with

different groups of the student population. The findings of

36
the studies above support the rationale for using relevant

instruments given the diverse nature of the Kenyan

population (Maxon, 2004). Various variables should be

considered as the needs are identified. The relationship of

these variables and cross relations of groups of variables

indicates that various factors influence the needs of

students in different parts of the world. While some needs

are specific to type of the learning institution, others

are dependent on grade or class levels within the same

school.

Development of Instruments

One question that a researcher needs to answer before

conducting a study is whether the method of assessment used

will help to arrive at the information required. By

answering this question, the researcher will be able to

determine if one method of assessment will be enough or

there may be a need to combine different designs.

There are various instruments that have been developed

to assess counseling needs from different perspectives. For

instance, Olszewski-Kibilius and Scott (1992) employed the

Career Decision Scale (Osipow, 1987) and the Career

Readiness Scale, to assess current career maturity

attitudes and skills related to making career choices.

Wagner (1999) used the Expectations About Counseling – Form

37
B (EAC-B) in the quantitative part of a two-part study

since it was easier to perform a multivariate analysis of

variance (MANOVA) on the data obtained by this instrument.

Bishop, Bauer, and Becker (1998) used the Survey of Student

Needs (SSN) which had been developed at the University of

Pittsburgh. A revised version of this instrument, a 42-item

Survey of Student Needs (Gallagher et al, 1992), was used

to identify the counseling needs and preferred counseling

sources of South African first-year students (Nicholas,

2002).

Some studies have developed instruments to ensure they

will be relevant in assessing counseling needs for specific

populations. A comparison study between Malaysia and

Lesotho (Navin et al., 1996) used the Primary School

Teacher Guidance and Counseling Needs Assessment

Questionnaire. This instrument had been field tested with

several groups of persons, and then minor changes were made

before the questionnaire was distributed. In Botswana

(Navin, 1989), two instruments, one for teachers and

another for students, that were developed by members of the

Guidance and Counseling Reference Group, were utilized in

the survey. The instrument for students, The Secondary

School Student Questionnaire, was organized into three

major sections: personal concerns, identification of

38
assistance providers, and identification of needs that the

educational system does not meet.

In another study conducted in Africa, a needs

assessment instrument was developed by generating items

from a review of literature, American high school student

needs assessment tools, and items from other instruments

used with specific student population in Nigeria (Ahia &

Bradley, 1984). Another study conducted in Nigeria used the

Nigerian Counseling Survey Instrument to investigate the

counseling needs in universities (Abumere, 1986). The

authors specifically designed the instrument for the

purpose of accessing data on the variables of sex, age,

religion, ethnic identity, grade level, marital status, and

school. This particular instrument seems to be applicable

for assessing student counseling needs in Kenya. However

the unavailability of this instrument currently renders it

impossible to use in this present study.

While various types of instruments are applicable in

identifying students’ counseling needs, it is evident that

studies conducted in Africa have also involved developing

instruments that are relevant to particular populations and

situations. Where instruments developed elsewhere have been

applied, a revision of the instrument preceded the study

(Nicholas, 2002). Due to the diverse nature of the

39
variables that go towards to assessment of students’

counseling needs in Kenya, it is important to develop

instruments that will be relevant there as has been done in

other African countries. Such instruments should reliably

include assessment of variables such as age, sex, religion,

ethnic identity, grade level, type and location of school.

The Kenyan Secondary School Student

The use of appropriate assessment procedures is

important in Africa as witnessed by past research. This is

because of the diversity of cultural, social, political,

and religious systems present in Africa. Kenya is a good

example of these unique situations. Almost every student in

Kenya can be considered a ‘multicultural student’ in the

light of the diverse background. The majority of the

students come from the 43 different cultural/ethnic

groupings in Kenya, all speaking different languages or

dialects (Maxon, 2004). Apart from their native language,

students have to learn to speak Swahili, an African

language spoken in the Eastern Africa region, and also

English which is the mode of communication in schools. The

students therefore can be considered multi-lingual in terms

of language alone. Belonging to different cultural

traditions, religious beliefs, and social-economic status

also adds to their diversity.

40
 Wright (2000) supported the need for counselors to

seek competence on working effectively with multicultural

student-clients. This study suggested having a working

definition of multicultural students and characteristics of

their cultural groups. By understanding the cultural

complexities present in Kenya with its more than 40

cultural groupings, it will be easier to develop an

instrument that integrates diverse situations to come up

with concrete findings. Issues such as age, gender, and

social-economic status ought to be considered while

conducting studies in Kenya.

With regard to age, Wagner (1999) found out that

traditionally-aged students had more positive expectations

about counseling than adult students. The traditionally-

aged students particularly expected counselors to be more

accepting, directive, self-disclosing, expert, and

tolerant. The majority of students in Kenya are in the

category of traditionally-aged (Kenyaweb, 2004) hence it

would be worthwhile to examine their expectations about

counseling. Studying gender differences within the student

population can also help in the formulation of programs

that are sensitive to the needs of both men and women.

Wagner (1999) revealed that women students held more

positive expectations about counseling than men students

41
and expected counseling to be more concrete and immediate

than men. A good sample in Kenya would therefore not only

consist of male and female samples, but also include

diverse variables.

In terms of social-economic status, Kenyans belong to

different social economic groups. The diverse nature of the

student population in Kenya, however, does not mean that

their needs are far removed from the needs of students

elsewhere. Mpofu (1994) for instance noted that what may be

perceived as a problem by middle class in the western world

may not be separate from educational and/or employment

concerns in African schools as far as help seeking is

concerned. Kenya can therefore benefit from the

implications of studies conducted on students elsewhere in

the world.

Ahia and Bradley (1984), while examining the needs of

secondary school students, had to develop their own

instrument since the instruments available from foreign

countries did not seem culturally appropriate, while

instruments previously used in Nigeria were inadequate. The

instrument finally used was not only effective in

identifying counseling needs in the three domain areas,

educational, vocational, and personal, but also revealed

that the students had more vocational than educational

42
problems. The present study will pay attention to the

processes used by Ahia and Bradley in the construction of

items.

Most notable are the methods used in Botswana. The

analysis of data from interviews, conference documents, and

surveys resulted in similar guidance and counseling needs

as indicated by individuals, community, and schools (Navin,

1989). Secondary school students in particular indicated

the need for assistance with personal and interpersonal

problems, in choosing and understanding school subjects,

with career awareness and exploration, in learning better

study skills, in learning good human relations skills, and

in feeling more confident. The study came up with practical

recommendations for counselor roles according to the needs

identified, and a sequence of developmental tasks for

beginning initial efforts in guidance and counseling

program development. It may be more effective replicating

this study in Kenya. However, given that Kenya does not yet

have established guidance and counseling programs, it is

the view of this study that starting with a specific group

such as students will yield more reliable data. The

procedure can then be replicated with other groups. The

procedures used in surveying the students in Botswana will

therefore be replicated in this study.

43
 If studies conducted in other countries have been

successful in identifying student counseling needs, then

there is enough reason to believe that similar studies in

Kenya will also yield significant findings. Some important

variables among the Kenyan student population are age,

grade level, cultural/ethnic groupings, racial groups,

socio-economic groups, types of schools, and persons who

play a major role in the education of children such as

teachers, parents, and administrators. Using appropriate

techniques that put into consideration all these variables

will result in reliable findings.

Conclusion

A critical examination of the available literature on

assessment of guidance and counseling needs especially

among the student population has revealed important

information on the mode of assessments and the implications

for Kenya. Although studies conducted in other parts of the

world may seem to be unrelated to the African situation, it

is evident that the youth in Africa share similar

counseling needs with youth elsewhere in the world. The

literature has particularly shown that these needs can be

grouped into three categories of educational/academic,

career/vocational, and personal/social concerns.

44
 Different methods of assessment of needs are

applicable in different situations. However, the literature

has also revealed that a combination of different

modalities may be more effective in accessing data on

individual, school, and community levels. Care should be

taken to ensure that the instruments developed are valid

and reliable. This can be achieved by pre-testing and re-

testing such instruments before generalizing them to a

wider population.

There are also many variables that ought to be

considered in assessing the counseling needs of students in

Kenya. The multitude of cultural groups (also known as

tribes in Kenya) and the influences of the social-political

history have also been found to have significant

implications on programs being developed within the school

system. This study therefore operates from the premise

that, to study the needs of students, it is important not

only to consider the implications on individuals, but also

the societal needs. To conduct an effective study in Kenya

it is better to narrow down to a particular group which is

also diverse enough for the findings to be generalized

nationally.

This study was therefore designed to develop an

instrument that can be validly and reliably used in

45
identifying guidance and counseling needs of secondary

school students in Kenya. Secondary school students were

chosen because they represent a group that is in the

process of preparing to enter the world of work within a

few years and would benefit from guidance and counseling

services established in schools. A sample from this

population is also representative of the majority of the

young people in Kenya. The findings of the study will be

used in the process of establishing guidance and counseling

programs in Kenyan schools, and in the continuous

assessment of individual students’ needs.

46
 CHAPTER 3

METHOD

This Methods chapter is divided into four sections.

The first section describes the sampling technique and the

salient characteristics of the participants. The second

section describes how the instrument was constructed and

the criteria for developing the items. The third section

describes the procedures used to pre-test the instrument

and collect data. Finally, the rationale for conducting

both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis and

further analysis using univariate and multivariate analysis

of variance is discussed.

Participants

The total sample for this study consisted of 941

secondary school students attending 8 provincial secondary

schools in Kenya. The provincial schools were chosen

because they admit students from all regions of the

Province hence they have students representing diverse

cultural backgrounds, social economic status, religious

beliefs, and geographical locations. The provinces are

representative of Kenya since they are the country’s major

geographic regions.

47
 Seventy-four participants (64 males; 9 females; one

undefined) were drawn from one co-educational school in

Nairobi Province for the pilot study. The participants

ranged in age from 15 to 25 (mean age = 17.46; SD = 1.27)

with the majority of the students between 17 and 18 years

old. Forty students (54.4%) were in Form Three, 31 (41.9%)

in From Four, one student in From One, while two did not

indicate Form level. The pilot study participants were from

17 racial/ethnic groups and affiliated with six different

religious groups.

There were 867 participants in the main study

recruited from seven provincial schools in Kenya. The

schools were situated in four provinces: Nairobi, Central,

Eastern, and Western. Gender representation was evenly

distributed: 423 (48.8%) males, and 444 (51.2%) females.

All the participants were high school students representing

the four grade levels as follows: 303 (34.9%) in Form One;

256 (29.5%) in Form Two; 152 (17.5%) in Form Three; and 149

(17.2%) in Form Four. Seven participants (0.8%) did not

indicate their form level. The mean age of the participants

was 16 (SD = 1.33) with age ranging from 16 to 20 years

old. The participants came from 49 cultural/ethnic groups

including: 416 (48%) Kikuyu; 105 (12.1%) Luhya; 54 (6.2%)

Luo; 51 (5.9%) Kamba; 39 (4.5%) Meru; 32 (3.7%) Embu; 24

48
(2.8%) Kisii; 23 (3.1%) Bukusu; 15 (1.7%); and 9 (1%)

Somali. Ninety nine participants (11.4%) were from forty

other ethnic groups each accounting for less than 1% of the

total participants. The participants identified with the

following religious groups: 831 (95.8) indicated they are

Christian; 31 (3.6%) Islam; and 5 (0.6%) did not identify

with any religion. 553 (63.8%) participants indicated that

they live in the rural areas; 291 (33.6%) urban areas; and

23 (2.7%) did not indicate their home location

The number of participants sufficient for this study

was determined by examining the sample sizes of similar

past studies. Among the studies examined, representation of

the nationwide student population (Brouzos, 1991),

diversity in demographics (Abumere, 1986; Ocansey, 2000),

and the type of factor analysis (Smadi, 1998), were

considered in determining the size of the sample. Hatcher

(2003) advocated the minimal sample size to be the larger

of 100 participants, or 5 times the number of variables

being analyzed. Tinsley and Tinsley (1987) recommended

obtaining a sample of 5 to 10 participants per item up to a

total of about 300 respondents while Tabachnick and Fidell

(2001) recommended having at least 300 cases for factor

analysis. The sample in this study was considered adequate

since it met the above criteria. Also having a larger

49
sample is encouraged since some participants may leave some

items blank hence they will not be included in the analysis

(Hatcher, 2003).

Since the sample of participants was drawn from

public provincial single sex boarding schools, this limits

the generalization of the findings to similar schools. The

generalization of the findings to other type of schools

such as mixed-sex schools, private schools, and day schools

may have different implications. The provincial schools are

however selected for this study since they are more

representative of the general secondary school population

in Kenya.

Instrument Development

The initial Student Counseling Needs Scale (SCNS) was

developed with items generated from the review of

literature and other instruments that have been used in

assessment of secondary school students’ needs in African

countries and in the United States. The items were slightly

modified where necessary in order to be applicable with

secondary school students in Kenya in terms of readability,

clarity, and meaning. Past research has already underscored

the importance of developing instruments that are relevant

to the African situation rather than using instruments

already developed elsewhere (Abumere, 1986: Navin, 1989).

50
 The SCNS consisted of a demographic section and a 52-

item questionnaire. To allow for modification of items

during the revision after pre-testing, the initial

instrument consisted of 100 items. DeVellis (1991)

recommended the use of more items as a form of insurance

against poor internal consistency since the nature of the

correlations among items is not known at this stage of

scale development. The demographic section consisted of

questions about the participants’ age, sex, tribe

(cultural/ethnic group), residence (urban and rural), Form

level, religion, and parents/guardians’ education and

occupation.

Ninety-six items were designed to assess the three

constructs selected for the study: 30 for the academic

construct, 20 for career construct, and 46 for the personal

construct. Four items were included to check for random

responding. All the items were worded positively to ensure

clarity. Although it has been argued that wording the items

both positively and negatively aids in avoiding response

bias (DeVellis, 1991), the exploratory nature of this study

called for avoidance of any aspects that may interfere with

the students’ ability to understand the items. Furthermore,

many of the student counseling needs assessment instruments

examined previously worded the items positively.

51
 The three constructs were selected after an

examination of literature revealed that they are the most

identified constructs in assessment of school guidance and

counseling needs (Jennings, 1995; Mathabe & Temane, 1993;

Navin, 1989; Nicholas, 2002; Ocansey, 2000; Tahhan & Eitah,

2002). The comprehensive guidance and counseling program

that is widely used in schools in the United States also

includes an evaluation process structured around academic,

career, and personal/social needs (Gysbers & Henderson,

2006; The Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Model, 2002).

Sample items in the academic/educational content area

were: “To know how to study and get the most out of study

time”; “To know how to seek help in selecting courses that

will help meet my career goals”; “To know how to take good

notes”; “To know how to do my best on tests and

examinations”; “To know how to study and get the most out

of my study time”; and “To know how to start and finish my

assignments well”.

Sample items in the career content area were: “To know

how to prepare for careers in which I am interested”; “To

know how to make plans for what I will do after completing

high school”; “To understand my interests and abilities,

and how to use them in making a career choice”; “To

understand how being a male or a female affects my career

52
choice”; “To know how I can get information about careers

in which I am interested”; and “To know about different

jobs in my home area”.

Sample items in the personal/social content area were:

“To know how to express thoughts and feeling that are

important to me”; “To know how to handle personal

difficulties”; “To know how respect people from other

tribes even when their views differ from mine”; “To

understand how drugs and alcohol affect a person’s

behavior”; “To know the effects of pre-marital sex and

teenage pregnancy”; and “To know how to get along with

members of my family”. (For a list of all the items, see

Appendix E).

The subject centered scaling method was used in this

study to identify the stated needs directly from the

students. The items consisted of a 6-point Likert scale

indicating different levels of agreement: 1 = strongly

disagree, 2 = moderately disagree, 3 = slightly disagree, 4

= slightly agree, 5 = moderately agree, and 6 = strongly

agree. The 6-point scaling was chosen since it maintains

the internal consistency and increases the variability in

response (Heppner, 1991). Heppner also argued that a six-

point format avoids the frequent selection of the middle

scale point reflecting neutrality that is present in a

53
five-point Likert scale. Since this scale is aimed at

identifying counseling needs, then a neutral response would

not have accessed reliable data.

An evaluation group consisting of three Kenyan

graduate students studying either education or counseling

and two secondary school teachers in Kenya was asked to

evaluate the items for readability and wording. They

evaluated the adequacy of the items across six areas:

socio-psychological appropriateness, cultural relevance,

language simplicity, length, format, and inclusiveness.

Suggestions from the evaluation group included minor

language changes, modifying some items so that they can ask

about issues relevant to Kenyan students, and additional

items. The successful use an evaluation group in this study

re-affirmed the importance of similar groups in past

studies (Ahia & Bradley, 1984). Recommendations from the

evaluation group were applied in the revision of items.

A pilot study was conducted in a co-educational

provincial secondary school in Nairobi Province, Kenya. A

sample of 74 students was recruited from the school for the

pilot study. After completing the items, the pilot study

participants were asked to provide their feedback on the

items’ readability, language simplicity, content

54
applicability, and degree of difficulty. The results of the

pilot study were used in additional revision of the items.

Three feedback questions assessed clarity and

understanding, while a fourth question requested

participants to provide suggestions for modification of

items so that they are all applicable to the high school

student population in Kenya. The participants indicated

that they did not clearly understand 13 items. They also

identified 19 items that they thought did not ask about

students’ needs. A preliminary principal component factor

analysis was conducted and identified 24 items that did not

fit with the initial two factors. Items were then

identified for revision if they met the following criteria:

(a) be identified by students as difficult to understand,

(b) be identified as not clearly assessing student

counseling needs, and (c) fail to load on any of the

initial factors. Eleven items that met the above criteria

were identified and revised as follows: 1 - To understand a

wide variety of feelings (happy, sad and angry); 11 - To

know about different jobs available in Kenya; 21 - To know

how to take good notes; 27 - To understand that boys and

girls can perform well in any subject; 44 - To know how to

make plans for what I will do after completing high school

; 52 - To understand the process of selecting courses that

55
I would like to take; 60 - To know how to get along with

members of both sexes while working together; 65 - To be

able to state my own ideas effectively; 66 - To know how to

develop skills that will help me excel in all subjects that

I like to take; 73 - To handle discouragement from other

students if I have an interest in or choose a course

usually taken by the opposite sex; and 98 - To handle

disapproval or opposition from others if I choose a course

usually taken by the opposite sex.

Suggestions from the pilot group on the fourth

feedback question were coded and tabulated. The suggestions

were grouped into twenty-five variables. Sixteen

participants recommended including items on sex and

intimate relationships, 13 recommended asking about social

relationships, and four recommended assessing need for help

with regard to alcohol and drug abuse issues. Six

participants recommended dropping items asking about

marriage and parenthood. A few students recommended

inclusion of items assessing student needs on different

academic issues, financial need, and self-esteem. To cater

for the recommendation by students, nine items were

modified as follows: 13 - To know the importance of work in

people’s life; 15 - To know how to relate well with

teachers; 29 - To develop good self-esteem; 41- To know the

56
relationship between school and work; 82 - To understand

the importance of abstaining from premarital sex; 87 - To

know how to make choices that fit both my needs and

interests; 92 - To know how to handle intimate

relationships; 94 - To know about the causes and results of

family break-up; and 99 - To know how sex can affect my

life. A summary of recommendations from the pilot study is

presented in Appendix A.

After revision and modification of items, a pool of

100 items including four validity items, were included in

the initial SCNS in readiness for data collection and

statistical analysis.

Procedures

Permission was secured from the University of Missouri

Institutional Review Board at two stages to conduct the

pilot and main studies. Permission was also sought from the

Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education for

conducting the study in the schools there. Four research

assistants in Kenya were identified and trained for the

administration of the instrument, data collection

procedures, scoring of the items, and rating.

After the initial evaluation of items, the author

identified the pilot study school and approached the school

administration for approval and to provide consent on

57
behalf of the parents. A sample of students, mainly Form

Three and Four students, was identified and gathered

together in the school’s assembly hall. The study package

consisting of the consent form, questionnaires, and

guidelines for completing and providing feedback was

administered to the participants. In addition to

recommendations provided by the students, preliminary

factor analysis was performed on the data from the pilot

study leading to modification of eleven items and

adjustment of the nine items.

Sixteen secondary schools, eight boys-only and eight

girls-only, were randomly sampled from a list of public

provincial schools, two in each of the eight provinces in

Kenya. After the schools were identified, the school

administration was approached to secure their approval on

behalf of the parents/guardians, and to provide a list of

the students in the four grade levels. Eight schools agreed

to participate in the study from a total of five provinces.

One school was excluded from the study due to logistical

problems leaving three boys-only and four girls-only

schools from four provinces for the study.

The revised instrument was administered to the

students of each school together in a space provide by the

school. During the administration of the instrument, the

58
purpose of the study was first explained to the

participants and then individual consent was secured. The

instrument was then distributed to the participants and

took between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. The

participants provided the demographic data and then

answered the items. After completing the instrument, the

participants were debriefed and thanked for their

participation. The participating schools were remunerated

through verbal expressions of gratitude and by the author

conducting motivational speeches to all students at a

suitable time after data collection.

Statistical Analysis

Data from the completed instruments were coded in

readiness for statistical analysis. A preliminary analysis

was performed to screen the data for normality of

distribution using means, standard deviations, skewness and

kurtosis, and test of normality of assumption. Plots for

each item were assessed for the assumption of linearity. A

validity check was conducted by analyzing the response

pattern on the four validity items.

Both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis were

conducted to examine the factors that define student

counseling needs. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was

performed to test a three-factor model consisting of

59
academic, career and personal needs used in comprehensive

school guidance and counseling programs (American School

Counselor Association, 1997; Gysbers, 2004; Schmidt, 1999).

Chi-square statistic and goodness of fit indexes were

examined to determine whether the hypothesized factor

structure was supported by the data.

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to

determine what factors account for student counseling needs

in Kenya. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test of

sphericity were applied to test whether the sample is

factorable as recommended by Heppner and Heppner (2004).

Principle axis factoring was conducted to extract factors

since this method identifies fewer underlying constructs

(Heppner, Kivlighan & Wampold, 1999). Factors that met the

Kaiser-Guttman retention criteria of eigenvalues greater

than 1.0 and were consistent with a scree plot test were

identified and given a title. Further principal axis factor

analyses were performed using both orthogonal (varimax) and

oblique (promax) rotations to improve the interpretability

of the factors. Factors were identified and named depending

on the conceptual constructs they assessed. Estimates of

alpha coefficients indicating the amount of internal

consistency of the items within each factor and for the

whole scale were then be identified and reported. Amount of

60
variance accounted for by each factor and the total score

were also assessed and reported.

Additional analyses were conducted on the SCNS and its

subscales using Univariate ANOVAS and MANOVAS to determine

the differences by groups. The results of the statistical

analyses were then presented and the implications discussed

culminating in recommendations for the application of the

SCNS and future research in the area of student counseling

needs.

61
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS

This chapter presents the results of the statistical

analyses. The chapter is divided into three sections. In

the first section, the process used in screening the data

to ensure normality of distribution and the rationale for

replacing the missing data is explained. The second section

presents the results of the confirmatory and exploratory

factor analysis starting with testing of the hypothesized

model and then determination of subscales constituting the

SCNS. The last section presents the findings of the

additional analysis that included univariate ANOVA and

MANOVA to test the research hypothesis. Parts of the

results are presented in tables and diagrams.

Data Screening

The data was first screened for presence of normality

of distribution and linearity by examining frequency

distributions and descriptive statistics. Skewness and

kurtosis were within normal limits, and the scatter plots

indicated that linearity was normal although most of the

data for the items tended to be slightly positively skewed.

62
 There were four validity test questions to check

random responding. The data was examined for irregular

answering patterns, random responding, and failure to

conform to the instructions and explanation provided during

the administration. Data from the 26 subjects who had

failed at least two validity questions was excluded from

the analyses. The decision to include data from

participants who failed two or less of the validity

questions was made by the author after examining the

answering pattern of each subject and certifying that the

participants were not answering randomly. Furthermore,

during the administration of the survey, the author had

observed that many participants had most difficulty

understanding the validity questions and therefore may have

indicated a level of agreement rather than act as the

question requested. For instance, item 34 stated “Do not

answer this question.” Some participants indicated that

they strongly disagreed with the item rather than omit

answering. The author perceived that their disagreement had

to do with whether to answer the question rather than

omitting the item.

Missing data

The data received from 958 participants was analyzed

for missing variables. The mean number of items answered by

63
each participant were 93 (SD = 9.06). Two participants

completed demographic information but did not answer any of

the SCNS items. 491 participants representing 51.3%

returned fully completed surveys. 376 (39.3%) participants

answered more than 90 items with 211 participants

representing 22% missing to answer only one item. Due to

the exploratory nature of this study and acknowledging the

possibility that many of the participants were

participating in such a study for the first time (as they

indicated to the author during administration of the

survey) data from participants who answered at least 91

(95%) items of the 96 SCNS items was included in the

analysis. The missing values were replaced with series

means rather than exclude the values since this would have

meant rejecting meaningful data from a third of the

participants. Furthermore, an examination of the literature

revealed that there is no criteria yet established for

determining the amount of missing data that can be replaced

(Heppner & Heppner, 2004; Tabachnick & Fidell, 2001). The

number of participants after data screening was reduced to

867.

Item Difficulty

All the participants answered items 42 (“To know how

to explore careers in a specific area in which I am

64
interested”) and 80 (“To know how to decide on a field of

study”) indicating the two items as the least difficult.

Participants had most difficulty answering item 16 “To

understand my values and know how to make choices” and item

90 “To understand how a job affects leisure time.” However,

the difficulty experienced by the participants was

determined negligible since only 38 participants (4.4%)

failed to answer item 16 and 31 participants (3.6%) failed

to answer item 90.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The Measurement Model

The model investigated in this study consisted of

three factors that were hypothesized to be constructs of

the School Counseling Needs Scale (SCNS): academic, career,

and personal needs. The academic needs construct was

hypothesized to be measured by manifest variables 6-10, 15,

21-25, 36-40, 51-52, 55, 66-70, 73, 80, and 96-98. The

career needs construct is measured by the manifest

variables 11-14, 30, 41-45, 56-58, 60, 76-79, 86, and 90,

while the personal needs construct is measured by the

manifest variables 1-5, 16, 18-20, 26-29, 31-33, 35, 46-50,

53, 61-65, 71-72, 74-75, 81-85, 87-88, 91-95, and 99-100.

(For a complete list of the items see Appendix F).

65
Analysis

Data were analyzed using the SAS System’s CALIS

procedure, and the model tested was covariance structure

model with multiple indicators for all latent constructs.

Standard deviations and intercorrelations for the study’s

96 manifest variables were also assessed.

Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to

investigate the factor stability of a hypothesized three-

factor solution of the fit of the data. The fit between the

model and the data was assessed using a 3-step criterion:

(1) reviewing the chi-square test; (2) reviewing the

several alternative indexes of fit (Byrne 2001): the

goodness-of-fit index (GFI), the adjusted goodness-of-fit

index (AGFI), the non-normed fit index (NNFI) and the

comparative fit index (CFI); and (3) reviewing significance

tests for factor loadings.

Chi-square test statistic was used to test the

hypothesis that the model fits the data. According to

Hatcher (1994), if the model provides a good fit, the chi-

square value will be relatively small, and the

corresponding p value will be relatively large (above .05

and preferably closer to 1.00).

The observed chi-square of 21102.47 was large and the

p value small at p < 0.001 suggesting that the model is not

66
a good fit for the data. However, since literature has

extensively noted that the chi-square statistic is likely

to be significant with large samples (Bentler & Bonett,

1980; Byrne, 2001), the chi-square/degrees of freedom ratio

were calculated to determine if the ratio was less than two

as recommended (Hatcher, 1994). The chi-square/df ratio for

this model was greater than two at 4.7 (χ2 = 21102.47; df =

4461) confirming that the model does not fit the data.

The GFI, AGFI, NNFI, and CFI were less than the

recommended value of above .9 (Hatcher, 1994) indicating

that the present model does not provide an acceptable fit.

A summary of the CFA statistics is presented in Table 2.

Further review of the data examined the significance

tests for factor loadings. Before reviewing the results of

the t tests, the author verified that there were no near-

zero standard errors that would indicate an estimation

problem. According to Hatcher (1994), t values greater than

1.960 are significant at p < 0.05; those greater than 2.576

are significant at p < 0.01; and those greater than 3.291

are significant at p < 0.001. The obtained t values in the

output (see Appendix C) indicated that all factor loadings

were significant at p < 0.001.

67
 The standardized factor loadings ranged in size from

.33 to .68 indicating that they were at least moderately

large. The distribution of normalized residuals table was

inspected to determine if the distribution met the

following criteria: is centered on zero; is symmetrical;

and contains none or few large residuals (Hatcher, 1994).

The residual summary table (see Appendix C) was centered

around zero but not perfectly symmetrical. The rank order

table of the ten largest normalized residuals (Appendix D)

indicated that they were all large (> 2) further confirming

that the initial model may have underpredicted the

relationship between variables. An examination of the Wald

test and the Langrange multiplier test was also consistent

with this finding.

The results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis

provided evidence that the measurement model did not fit

the data. First, the chi-square test was significant.

Secondly, the chi-square/df ratio, and the indexes of fit

examined were all outside the acceptable range. Thirdly,

the summary table for the normalized residuals was

asymmetrical. Additionally, the nature of the ten largest

normalized residuals suggested that more than one indicator

variable may be multifactorial. These findings indicated

68
that the fit of the measurement model required modification

hence the hypothesis was rejected.

Exploratory Factor Analysis

Initial exploratory factor analysis using principal

axis factor extraction method, was performed on the set of

96 variables to determine the number of factors. The

appropriateness of factor analysis was supported by

Bartlett’s test of sphericity which was significant (χ2 =

43841.4; p < .001). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of

sampling adequacy yielded a value of .95, indicating that

the sample size was large enough to evaluate the factor

structure (see Tabachnick & Fidell, 2001).

Four variables were eliminated since they had

communalities of less than .40. Twenty two factors that met

the Kaiser-Guttman criterion of eigenvalue greater than

1.00 were extracted. An examination of the scree plot

(Appendix B) also suggested that as many as six factors

could be interpreted. The six factors had an eigenvalue of

greater than 1.95 (Factor 1 = 26.8; Factor 2 = 4.2; Factor

3 = 3.5; Factor 4 = 2.5; Factor 5 = 1.97; Factor 6 = 1.96)

all accounting for a total of 42.7% of the variance.

Further exploratory factor analysis using the

principal axis extraction method was conducted specifying a

six-, five-, four-, three-, and two-factor solution. The

69
following criteria were applied in retaining a preliminary

factor structure: (a) retaining factor loadings that

exceeded .40; (b) retaining factors that had at least three

items per factor; and (c) deleting items with cross-

loadings over .30 after rotation. Examination of the data

indicated that the five-factor model was the most suitable

solution since: (a) it yielded items with stronger factor

loadings and fewer cross-loadings than other solutions, (b)

there were no clear conceptual differences between factors

in the two-, three-, and four-factor solutions, and (c) the

six-factor solution yielded less than three items in one

factor.

A comparison between orthogonal rotations (Varimax)

and oblique rotation (Promax) indicated that the oblique

rotation provided the best clarity for the interpretation

of the solution. The oblique rotation was also preferred to

maximize the variance of the coefficients, since the

factors were hypothesized to be correlated because of the

underlying construct of counseling needs. Based on the

pattern matrix, variables that cross-loaded on more than

one factor were eliminated from the analysis. After

eliminating variables with loadings less than .40 there

were 53 items left. Variable 96 “I need help to understand

the role that academic achievement plays in determining my

70
future” loaded on Factor 2 that asked about drugs and

premarital sex. This variable was dropped from the set

since it was conceptually misplaced.

The five-factor oblique model reduced the 96-item set

to a 52-item set with five factors. Fifteen variables

loaded on the first factor, thirteen on the second factor,

nine on the third, ten on the fourth, and five on the fifth

factor. The first factor included items such as: “To know

how to get along with boys and girls,” “To know how to get

help when my family has problems,” “To know how the place

where I live affects job opportunities,” and “To develop

close and lasting relationships.” This factor was named

‘Human Relationships’ and accounted for 27.14% of the

variance. The second factor included items such as: “To

know how to seek help in selecting courses that would help

meet my career goals”, “To know how to prepare for careers

in which I am interested”, and “To know how to pick a good

college.” This factor was named ‘Career Development’ and

accounted for 6.77% of the variance.

The third factor included items such as: “To know the

effects of pre-marital sex and teenage pregnancy”, “To be

able to handle pressure from friends related to the use of

drugs and alcohol”, and “To know which leisure and

recreational activities best fit my interests and needs.”

71
This factor was named ‘Social Values’ and accounted for

5.21% of the variance. The fourth factor included items

such as: “To know how to express those thoughts and

feelings that are important to me”, “To understand, accept

and like myself”, “To know how to express those thoughts

and feelings that are important to me”, and “To know how to

develop learning habits and skills that I can use

throughout life.” This factor was named ‘Self Development’

and accounted for 3.74% of the variance. The fifth factor

included items such as: “To know how to take good notes”,

and “To know how to organize my class and homework

materials.” This factor was named ‘Learning Skills’ and

accounted for 3.07% of the variance. The five factors

together explained 45.94% of the variance. The SCNS was

composed of 52 variables that loaded on the five factors.

Factor loadings, communality estimates, means and standard

deviations are presented in Table 3.

Reliability Estimates

In order to examine the reliability of the scale, the

author tested the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. The

reliability estimates of the subscales were .88 for Human

Relationships, .87 for Career Development, .87 for Social

Values, .83 for Self Development, and .84 for Learning

Skills. The reliability estimate for the whole SCNS was .94

72
(see Table 4). The findings of these analyses indicate that

the five constructs can be reliably accessed as indicators

of students’ counseling needs.

Scale Intercorrelations

An intercorrelation matrix (Table 5) of the factor

scores indicated significant correlations (p < .01) between

the factors. There were moderate correlations between

factors ranging from .38 to.62. These moderate

interrelations suggest that the factors are interrelated

but still represent distinct constructs.

Additional Analysis

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

A two-way analysis of variance was conducted on the

data to test the hypothesis that “there are no significant

differences between males and females, form one, two, three

and four students on the SCNS.” The results (see Table 6)

indicate statistically significant difference between male

and female students on the SCNS, F (1, 852) = 22.88, p <

.05. However, the two-way ANOVA results fail to indicate

that there is a main effect for form level as well as an

interaction effect between gender and form on the SCNS.

Since the author observed that the Levene’s test of

homogeneity of variance was significant suggesting that the

variances are not equal, the Welch test of equality of

73
means was conducted as recommended by Keppel (1991) on each

of the main effects. The results confirmed the ANOVA test

that there is main effect for gender but no main effect for

form level. Further two-way ANOVA was conducted at a

significant level of p = .01 to cater for the possibility

of committing a type-one error (see Keppel, 1991). Again,

the results indicated that only the main effect gender was

statistically significant.

Gender Differences

Descriptive statistics and profile plots indicated

that female students had a higher mean (M = 5.56) than male

students (M = 5.36) in general and at each form level. Both

male and female students in Form Three had lowest mean in

all, while Form Two students had the highest mean combined

males and females. Among male students, Form Two students

had the highest mean (M = 5.58), while Form Four females

had the highest mean among female students (M = 5.67). The

greatest difference between means was between males (M =

5.32) and females (M = 5.67) in Form Four.

Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA)

A 2 x 5 between-subjects multivariate analysis of

variance was performed on the five subscales:

relationships, career development, social values, self

74
development, and learning skills. The categorical variables

were sex and grade level.

SPSS MANOVA using the Wilk’s Lambda statistic revealed

effects for sex F(5, 848) = 6.10, p < .001, and form level

F(15, 848) = 6.46, p < .001. The interaction between sex

and form had also a significant effect F(15, 848) = 1.95, p

< .05. However, when the alpha was set at .01 to reduce the

possibility of error due lack of equality of variance

between groups, the main effects sex and form were still

significant at p < .01 but the interaction was no longer

significant.

The GLM procedure was performed to determine the

effect of both sex and form on the subscales. There were

significant differences between form levels on Social

Values F(3, 852) = 11.03, p < .01, and Learning Skills F(3,

852) = 6.48, p < .01. There were also significant

differences between male and female students on all

subscales. The interaction between gender and form levels

was only significant for Social Values subscale F(3. 852) =

3.18, p < .05. Tukey HSD and Bonferroni’s Post Hoc tests

indicated that there were significant differences between

Form One and Three, Form One and Four, and Form Two and

Three on the Social Values subscale.

75
 Further examination of the estimated marginal means

plots revealed that female students in Form Four had a

higher mean than all the other students in the career

development, human relationships, and self-development

subscales. Female students in Form One had higher means in

the social values and learning skills subscales. For the

career development subscale, female students had higher

means than male students, with the male students in Form

Three having the lowest mean. In the human relationships

subscale, the greatest mean differences existed between

male and female students in Form Four and the least

difference was between students in Form One.

Form Four male students had the lowest mean in the

social values area, with a greater difference existing

between their mean and that of their counterpart female

students. The mean for Form Three students was generally

low in the social values area but similar for both groups.

In the self development subscale, Form Four students had

higher means in each category, while Form One students had

the lowest mean. Unlike all other gender groups, males in

Form Three had a slightly higher mean than their female

counterparts. In the learning skills subscale, Form Three

students had the lowest mean, with the female students in

that form again having a lower mean than their male

76
counterparts. Form One students had a higher mean than

students in other forms. The pattern of female students

having a higher mean than males was also evident in Form

One, Two and Four.

The GLM procedure was performed to determine the

effect of both form and school on the subscales. SPSS

MANOVA using the Wilk’ Lambda criterion indicated main

effect for form F(15, 831) = 3.31, p < .01, school F(30,

831) = 7.11, p < .01, and the interaction F(70, 831) = 1.48,

p < .01. There were significant differences between Schools

on the subscales and the interaction between form and

school was also significant for the human relationships and

social values subscales. Tukey HSD and Bonferroni’s Post

Hoc tests indicated that there were significant differences

between schools 2 and 3, 2 and 4, 3 and 5, 3 and 8, 4 and

7, and schools 4 and 8 on the Human Relationships subscale.

There were also significant differences between school 2

and 4, 2 and 8, 3 and 5, 3 and 6, 3 and 8, 4 and 5, 4 and

6, 4 and 8, 5 and 7, 6 and 7, 6 and 8, 7 and 8 on the

Social Values subscale.

An examination of the marginal means revealed that

students in school 4 had a higher mean in all subscales

except for the learning skills. Schools 4 and 7 tended to

77
have higher means in all forms while schools 2, 5, and 8

tended to have lower means. The mean for Form One students

in school 5 was higher than other forms while it was the

opposite in other schools.

78
 CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results, discusses the

implications of the findings, highlights the limitations of

the study, and suggests recommendations for future

directions. It is divided into five sections. The first

part discusses the results of hypothesis testing in light

of current literature. The next two parts examine the

implications of the findings of the counseling needs of

high school students in Kenya, and the establishment of

guidance and counseling programs to meet these needs. The

fourth part suggests issues to be considered in conducting

further research on students’ counseling needs. The fifth

part highlights the limitations of the data collection

method used, the generalization of the findings, and the

restrictions due to the type of analyses conducted. The

chapter ends with a brief summary of the study.

Discussion of Results from Hypothesis Testing

The results of statistical analysis revealed that the

counseling needs of secondary school students in Kenya

assessed by this study cannot be grouped into three content

areas of academic, career and personal needs but into five

79
areas of human relationships, career development, social

values, self development, and learning skills.

Additionally, there are many factors that seem to influence

the way Kenyan students identify their guidance and

counseling needs. These findings are discussed in detail in

this section.

This study started by identifying methods used in

different countries in assessment and grouping of students’

guidance and counseling needs. Since student counseling

needs are normally grouped into the three content areas of

academic, career, and personal needs (Ahia & Bradley, 1984;

Gysbers, 2004; Navin, 1989), the author developed a pool of

items drawn from these domains. This grouping then formed

the basis for the first research hypothesis that variables

identifying the counseling needs of high school students in

Kenya can be grouped into the three content areas of

academic, career, and personal. This hypothesis was tested

using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of CFA

failed to provide a good fit of the data within the

hypothesized three-factor model implying that the

counseling needs assessed by the instrument cannot be

grouped into just three domains. This finding suggests that

there may be fewer or more than three underlying constructs

80
that define the students’ counseling needs. The first

hypothesis was therefore rejected.

Ordinarily, adjustments would have to be made to the

data to improve the goodness of fit. However, since this

study was mainly exploratory, and the hypothesis had been

based on the grouping of the content areas in the model

used in the U.S., the author deemed it necessary to conduct

exploratory factor analysis (EFA) rather than continue with

CFA. CFA would only have fitted the data into the three

domains, while EFA would enable the author to investigate

what other factors defined the counseling needs of high

school students in Kenya.

Exploratory factor analysis revealed the presence of

five factors suggesting that five distinct components

underlie the scores on the SCNS. The five factors

contributed to the amount of variance accounted for by the

scale in the following order, from strongest to weakest:

Human Relationships, Career Development, Social Values,

Self Development, and Learning Skills. The presence of five

factors indicates a departure of the SCNS from similar

instruments that assess student counseling needs only

within the three content areas. The five constructs may

therefore be indicative of specific needs among Kenyan

students not explicit in other countries. It is remarkable

81
that an earlier study on guidance and counseling programs

in Kenyan secondary schools had organized students’

problems into five categories: (a) psycho-social, (b)

family problems, (c) educational problems, (d) financial

problems, and (e) career problems (Sindabi 1992). Issues

such as human relationships and social values seem

especially important to Kenyan students. Alternatively, it

may be that other factors specific to students there

underscore the need for assistance in developing

relationships and maintaining social values. Cultural

traditions, religious values and practices, and extended

families have already been suggested as some of the issues

that adversely affect students (Njeru & Orodho, 2003;

Sindabi, 1992).

The results of EFA and the high reliability estimates

for the SCNS and its subscales confirmed the second

hypothesis that the SCNS can be used reliably to assess

guidance and counseling needs of secondary school students

in Kenya. These results are consistent with past studies

that validated instruments that are commonly used to

identify students’ needs (Abumere, 1986; Ahia & Bradley,

1984; Gallagher et al. 1992; Navin, 1989; Navin, et al.,

1996; Olszewski-Kibilius & Scott, 1992; Wagner, 1999;). The

SCNS will therefore contribute significantly towards the

82
identification of students’ guidance and counseling needs

in Kenya.

Additional analyses were conducted to test the third,

forth and fifth hypotheses. The third hypothesis tested

whether there are statistically significant differences

between male and female high school students in Kenya in

the identification of guidance and counseling needs. The

results of ANOVA revealed that male and female students

indicate needs differently. This suggested that there is a

gender effect in the identification of needs. The fourth

hypothesis tested for significant differences between high

school students at different Form levels in Kenya in

identification of their guidance and counseling needs. The

results of MANOVA indicated that, while there are no

differences between students in all form levels in the way

they identify guidance and counseling needs in general,

there are significant differences when identification of

needs is specific to human relationships and social values.

The fifth hypothesis stated that there are no significant

differences between different schools in identification of

guidance and counseling needs. Since the findings revealed

significant differences between schools, the hypothesis was

rejected.

83
 The results of the additional analyses indicate that

gender and school affect the way students perceive their

need for guidance and counseling. While all students show a

need for help, the intensity of that need seem to be

influenced by other factors such as being male or female.

Possible explanations for gender differences are

highlighted later in this study.

The findings also indicate that students in different

schools in Kenya may have different needs. Although the

schools were hypothesized to be similar since they were all

provincial schools, it may be that other factors such as

the location of the school impact the needs of students.

Literature already shows that students in schools located

in rural areas have different experiences from those in

schools located in urban areas (Kithyo, 1999). It is

notable that, the differences were mainly on the issue of

human relationships and social values. A possible

explanation for these differences could be aspects such as

cultural traditions and social-economic background. It is

important to note that while provinces are Kenya’s main

geographic regions, such regions tend to be dominated by

specific cultural/ethnic groups. These groups may have

considerable cultural differences when it comes to human

84
relationships and customs and these may influence the way

students perceive their need for counseling differently.

Implications of the Findings

The emergence of career development as a construct

suggests that it may be an essential area in which students

need assistance. Students particularly expressed need for

assistance with determination of courses and the selection

of colleges. Assistance in these areas may enable them

achieve their career aspirations. As noted in the

literature section, performance in the examination taken at

the end of high school in Kenya determines the program of

study that a student will be admitted into in a college. It

is therefore likely that students in high school experience

high levels of anxiety as they approach the end of high

school since they feel less empowered to choose the program

of interest. This supposition is supported by the findings

presented below that Form Four students expressed a higher

need for assistance with career development than students

in the lower forms.

There has been an amazing turn around in the way the

importance of career development is viewed by Kenyan

secondary school students. Students today indicate a higher

need for career guidance than students in the past decade.

For instance, Sindabi (1992) found that career problems

85
were ranked as the least concerns by secondary students in

Kenya. The author pointed out that students mostly

consulted their parents for career information more than

they did school counselors. In light of this point, career

development may not have been a major concern at school at

that time.

Today however, the need for career guidance has

increased as evidenced by this study. First, declining

economic performance in the 1990’s has led to 57% of the

population in Kenya living in poverty (Saitoti, 2004).

Increased poverty leads to limited availability of

resources and higher prevalence of diseases. Students may

therefore be encountering an increased need to acquire

relevant career information that will enable them seek

better paying jobs. Secondly, many schools in Kenya have in

the past appointed some teachers as career masters without

providing them the necessary training and facilities for

career guidance (Kilonzo, 1981). Such career masters

usually assume that all students will end up in

universities and therefore focus their work only on helping

students complete university application forms (Kithyo &

Petrina, 2002; Sindabi, 1992). Since only less than 10% of

the 79% students who complete high school join universities

(Saitoti, 2004), high school students may be feeling the

86
need for more assistance with career guidance other than

just application to college and universities.

Thirdly, it is evident that some students were

pressured by their parents into certain careers that the

parents thought were good despite the students’ interests

being elsewhere (Kithyo & Petrina, 2002). With improvements

in career guidance programs, career resource facilities in

schools, and awareness of the labor market, students are

upholding the idea of acquiring relevant career information

while in school. Career development is therefore an

important factor in identification of students’ guidance

and counseling needs.

Although factor analysis revealed five factors,

conceptually, the variables in three of the factors can be

grouped into one general emphasis area. The variables under

the Human Relationships, Social Values, and Self

Development subscales refer to the need by students to

learn about themselves and others (see Schmidt, 1999). In

the school guidance and counseling program present in the

United States, these belong to the personal development

content area (Gysbers & Henderson, 2006). The presence of

three factors in this area of emphasis rather than in a

single factor seems to indicate that high school students

in Kenya may perceive their needs more distinctly than

87
students in the United States. For instance family and

gender issues (Human Relationships subscale) are correlated

and separate from issues concerning alcohol and drug abuse,

sex education (Social Values subscale), self motivation and

fulfillment (Self Development subscale).

The presence of more than three factors is also

consistent with the findings in other countries such as

Hong Kong (Circular Memorandum 108, 2002). As noted in the

literature section, an assessment of student needs in South

Africa (Mathabe & Temane, 1993) identified closely similar

areas to the present study: human relationships, assessment

of values, career guidance, moral education, and curriculum

assessment and adjustment. It is therefore striking that

African students seem to share similar needs when it comes

to relationships and social values.

It is likely that social and cultural factors play a

major role in the way students in Kenya determine their

needs. Research has indicated that socio-cultural and

religious factors affect access to and participation in

secondary education in Kenya (Njeru & Orodho, 2003). For

that reason, participants in this study were drawn from a

sample of high school students in provincial schools in

Kenya. Provincial high schools had been perceived to be

representative of the high school student population since

88
they admit students randomly drawn from the whole province.

This assumption implied that there would be equal

distribution in terms of participants’ demographics.

The majority of participants identified with a

specific ethnic group (49 tribes were identified) and

religious affiliation (mostly Christian or Islam). This

diversity of backgrounds could be significantly impacting

the perceived needs of students in terms of human

relationship issues and social values. For instance, gender

and family relationships may be understood differently by

students in Africa as compared to students in the western

world (Mpofu, 1994). Mbiti (1975) noted that it is the

responsibility of elders in many African traditions to

teach morality to the young people. This suggests that the

young people in Kenya are likely to see some needs as

distinct from others depending on who should offer them

assistance.

Another remarkable finding was that issues with regard

to alcohol/drug abuse and sexual awareness grouped together

and separate from other variables that assessed need for

counseling on personal development and relationships. This

factor is unique in that it is not consistent with the

factors in other student counseling needs scales. As

reported in the literature, Kenyan schools have in the past

89
years encountered student unrest and violence (ANB-BIA

Supplement Issue, 2001; Daily Nation, August 7, 2000).

Substance abuse has especially been proposed as one of the

causes for the increased school violence (Buku & Mwnazia,

2004; Kariuki, 2004; Mwanzia & Mudi, 2005; Waihenya, 2000).

Additionally, sexual violence, HIV/AIDS, and teenage

pregnancy are issues affecting students in Kenya (Bregman &

Bryner, 2003; Saitoti, 2004; UNICEF Country Office, 2000).

These issues have even a greater effect on female students

(Wachira, 2004). Consequently, secondary school students

feel the need for assistance with issues related to

premarital sex and substance abuse since they affect them

daily.

The emergence of Social Values as an identified

counseling need by the students gives credence to

observations in literature. It is also notable that during

the pilot study, some participants suggested to the author

the need to include items addressing the need for

counseling on issues related to premarital sex and teenage

pregnancy. Kenyan students therefore seem to require help

in acquiring information about alcohol, drug abuse,

premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, and proper use of

leisure time.

90
 Among all the areas of emphasis, Kenyan students seem

to require the least assistance with academic issues. Only

five variables loaded on this area, and they specifically

address participation in class and completion of

assignments. Various factors such as the education system,

the structure of the school, and awareness of academic

requirements may be influencing the way students perceive

their need for such help. The majority of the students

interviewed were in boarding schools where they spend at

least three months within the school compound. This

provides them with plenty of time for individual and group

study possibly enabling them to meet their academic needs

independently. The findings from Form One students support

this inference since they indicated the highest need for

assistance with learning skills. Their freshman status may

also distinguish them from students in higher forms in

terms of acquisition of studying skills and familiarization

with school system.

With regard to classroom participation, it has been

suggested that students may not conform to their teachers’

requirements due to external reasons such as hunger, long

distances traveled to school, and family responsibilities

(Human Rights Watch, 1999). All these factors may be

affecting students’ abilities to participate actively in

91
class and complete assignments successfully hence students

sense the need for help in this area.

Further examination of the SCNS and its subscales

revealed that female students in Kenya indicate a higher

need for counseling than male students. Specifically,

female students indicated higher need for counseling in all

subscale areas. Sindabi (1992) attributed gender

differences especially when it comes to importance of

career guidance to varying patterns of socializations for

males and females in the Kenyan society. Similarly, Kithyo

and Petrina (2002) also found that gender was the most

central factor in students’ career choice. It is therefore

apparent that gender does affect the way students state

their needs not just for career development but in other

areas of guidance and counseling. Since the investigation

of factors that account for gender differences was beyond

the scope of this study, this finding therefore suggests

the need for further research in this area.

Future researchers may particularly be interested in

studying why greater differences exist between male and

female students in Form Four. One would assume that since

Form Four students are in their final year of high school,

they would share closely similar needs in all areas. There

may be cultural factors that are salient in the way Form

92
Four males and females see their ability to negotiate

relationships and social values. Male students may feel

more capable of negotiating family relationships and

understanding the effect of substance abuse and premarital

sex than female students due to different socializations.

The developmental stage of students in Form Four may also

influence how they understand their roles as they approach

adulthood. Male students may feel more empowered by their

families to make their own choices while female students

are less empowered and have to rely on others for important

life decisions. As observed, female students in Form Four

indicated the highest need for career development,

assistance with human relationships, and self development.

In contrast, male students in Form Four indicated a high

need for help in self development only.

Surprisingly, students in Form Three indicated the

lowest need for counseling. Their pattern of identification

of counseling needs was actually different from all the

other forms since they had the least differences in most of

the areas of emphasis. Form Three males had slightly higher

mean scores than their female counterparts in the self

development area and learning skills. A possible

explanation for the lower counseling needs in Form Three

could be the presence of career guidance in the last term

93
of Form Two as they make decisions on their subject area of

emphasis. Also there is a possibility that Form Three

students are at the stage of their high school life when

they don’t feel the need for a lot of attention since they

have been in school long enough to get accustomed to the

system and are also more than an year away from graduation.

They may be taking issues lightly and not feeling the

urgency to resolve them.

Implications for the Development of Guidance and

Counseling Programs

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument

that can be used in the identification of guidance and

counseling needs of secondary school students in Kenya.

Since the reliability estimates indicated that SCNS can be

used in the identification of students’ needs, this

instrument will be essential to planning, organizing, and

implementing guidance and counseling programs in Kenyan

schools. The instrument will not only be used with in

identification of individual students’ needs but also in

identification of group needs so that responsive services

can be planned accordingly.

An important implication of the present findings is

the establishment and development of school guidance and

counseling programs in Kenya. Since the results indicate

94
that Kenyan students may require help in addressing various

counseling needs, then it is important for the Ministry of

Education to institute programs in schools that will

address the needs of students appropriately. Some authors

have already called for the establishment of guidance and

counseling programs in all schools in Kenya (Human Rights

Watch, 1999; Kithyo & Petrina, 2002; Sindabi, 1992).

Kenyans are especially seeking for a holistic education

that not only promotes economic growth, but also social

values important for the development of the nation (Abagi

et al, 2000). Furthermore, school guidance and counseling

services in Kenya are conceptualized and implemented in

terms of cultural values, social realities, and validated

techniques of practice (Sindabi, 1992). The SCNS should be

upheld as one of the techniques in assessment of students’

needs.

The Ministry could start by identifying professionals

who can conduct studies in schools and then make

recommendations for policy changes that will ensure that

more lasting guidance and counseling programs are

established in all schools. The establishment of such

programs will also require provision of relevant personnel

and facilities. Teachers and school counselors need to be

trained to offer guidance and counseling to students. The

95
current trend of asking some teachers to take up the role

of guidance and counseling while still maintaining their

full teaching load (Kilonzo, 1981) is likely to give rise

to ethical violations and professional inefficiency. It is

especially unreasonable to expect a teacher who is charged

with the role of supervising a student’s academic and

behavioral discipline to develop a trusting relationship

with the same student as a counselor.

For guidance and counseling programs to be effective

in Kenya, trained professionals should be employed to

manage and offer services in schools. Such professionals

should also be provided with relevant facilities and

structural support. At the same time, universities and

teacher training institutions will have to develop programs

that train professional school counselors and other

guidance personnel.

There is more to the success of school guidance and

counseling programs than the assessment of needs and

availability of trained professionals. Gysbers and

Henderson (2006) have already underscored the necessity of

aspects such as content, organizational framework, resource

development, management, and accountability. For programs

to be effective, all these factors should be incorporated.

This implies that there may be a need to overhaul the

96
present education system in Kenya. The process of change

could start with policy makers at the top of the hierarchy

of education administration. Since management of education

in Kenya is centralized under the Minister of Education,

then he or she could propose policies that can be ratified

by the national assembly setting the ball rolling for

implementation down to the individual schools. This

centralized structure seems to be an advantage in that it

would overcome bureaucratic impediments that may slow the

process. It is therefore feasible for Kenya to establish

strong guidance and counseling programs in all schools

within a short duration.

In places where school guidance and counseling

programs have already been established, the SCNS will be a

crucial instrument in assessment of students’ needs.

Guidance curriculum and responsive services can then be

structured to address the five content areas identified by

the instrument namely human relationships, career

development, social values, self development, and learning

skills. A guidance curriculum could be taught to students

at different levels or in small groups to address issues

that are similar to them. The needs of each student will

also be easily identified after completing the SCNS and

responsive services planned accordingly. Information

97
gathered over time through administration of the SCNS will

then be used to evaluate programs’ success and develop them

further.

Implications for Future Research

In future, the author plans to validate the instrument

with different high school student populations such as

national schools, district schools, and private schools.

There author also intends to test the instrument with

students from other provinces not included in the present

study. The author proposes other recommendations such as

(a) studying the differences between genders, (b) examining

the factors that cater for lower counseling needs among

Form Three students, (c) evaluating differences by school,

and (d) replicating the present study with primary school

students. Of most importance is the use of SCNS to identify

student counseling needs.

Past studies have also assessed students’ needs from

other perspectives such as parents, teachers, school

administrators, and the community (Navin 1989; Sindabi

1992). It will be important for future research to assess

students’ guidance and counseling needs from these groups’

perspectives. The SCNS can be modified and tested with

specific groups so that there is unison of approach. The

implication of using the SCNS instrument is that school

98
personnel will identify the counseling needs of students

and set up a guidance curriculum and responsive services.

Data collected from students can be used to normalize the

instrument and expand its applicability to diverse student

populations within and outside Kenya. Schools can also use

data acquired through the SCNS to focus their services to

vital activities and therefore reduce costs.

Limitations of the Study

Several limitations should be noted in this study.

First only students from provincial schools were sampled

for the study. This leaves out three other important

categories: national schools, district schools, and private

schools that also admit a significant number of students in

Kenya. While provincial schools were purposively chosen

because they represent a wider diversity in terms of

demographics, national schools normally admit high

performing students, and district schools lower performing

students in terms of grades. These specific groups might

identify unique needs not apparent in the sampled

population. The high cost of private schools restricts

their intake to students from higher social-economic

status, a group that may have different needs from those

stated by students in provincial schools. Care should

99
therefore be taken while using the SCNS with students in

these types of schools.

The participants were drawn from only four of the

eight provinces in Kenya, with one of the province

represented by only one school. Since schools from Coast,

North Eastern, Nyanza, and Rift Valley provinces were not

represented it would probably be counter-productive to use

the SCNS with students in those provinces without

validating the instrument with them.

About half of the participants indicated that they

belong to same cultural group. A possible explanation for

this may be that two provinces, Central and Nairobi,

neighbor each other with Central being dominated by that

one cultural group. Conducting further analysis with

specific cultural groups may provide more information on

their differences. For the present study, it was not

possible to conduct such analyses since they were beyond

the scope of scale development.

The use of CFA as the initial analysis and then EFA

may seem contrary to the normal trend by researchers. In

this study, the author had hypothesized that the counseling

needs of high school students in Kenya will load into the

three content areas of academic, career, and personal

development. The data may have failed to fit this model

100
since some of the initial items were modified after the

pilot study. Also the language of items was revised to

account for clarity and understanding by the Kenyan student

population. All these factors may interfere with the

performance of the statistical analysis. Furthermore, minor

differences exist between the English version spoken in

Kenya and the American-English version of the initial

items. Since the items were developed by the author while

residing in the United States and also by modifying items

from instruments used there, it is possible that some

participants may have interpreted some items to be

referring to other aspects than intended. If such a

situation occurred, then it could have led to dropping of

some important variables or even the presence of more

factors.

The naming of factors represents the conceptual

meaning that the author perceived to be underlying the

items that grouped together. Some factor names such as

Social Values and Self Development may be applicable to a

wider context than the group of items in each factor. While

the author consulted widely in naming the factors, it is

possible that different readers might think of other

suitable terms. Care should therefore be taken in using the

names of the factors conclusively.

101
 Summary of Findings

This study was designed to develop an instrument that

can be reliably used in assessment of the needs of

secondary school students in Kenya. The necessity of

developing an instrument was arrived at after an

examination of past literature revealed that there are no

needs assessment instruments that have been validated with

this population. The author developed a list of items after

keenly evaluating the present instruments in the United

States and other countries. Data was collected from a

sample of students attending high schools in Kenya. Factor

analysis revealed the presence of five factors that

underlie the students’ guidance and counseling needs.

Additional analysis indicated differences by gender and

school in the way students identify their needs. The

discussion of findings proposed various explanations for

the grouping of variables and the differences identified.

The development of SCNS sets precedence for the

development of other instruments assessing student

counseling needs in Kenya and possibly other parts of

Africa. The exploratory nature of the study supersedes the

limitations identified above. The large sample size

including the diversity of schools, geographical regions,

cultural backgrounds, SES, grade levels, age, and religious

102
affiliation supports the generalization of the results

rather than counteract it. The gender distribution was also

ideal since it was equal. The high reliability estimates

for both the SCNS and the subscales also provides

credibility to the instrument.

The hypothesis that the SCNS can be reliably applied

in identification of the counseling needs of high school

students in Kenya is confirmed. It is also appears that

there are more factors that influence the identification of

student counseling needs than the hypothesized three. In

addition, gender and form level, also seem to have an

effect on the needs of students. SCNS will therefore

provide a much need instrument to identify students’

guidance and counseling needs, and by extension provide

them with services that ensure a holistic education.

103
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Abagi, O. & Odipo, G. (2003). Efficiency of primary

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112
Table 1

Number of Schools That Experienced Student Unrest by Province in the Year 2000/2001

Province Existing Number of schools Percentage of Gravity

number of that experienced schools going
secondary student unrests on strike
schools

Central 630 85 13.5 Violent and

destructive

Coast 151 4 2.6 Destruction of

school property

Nyanza 680 7 1.0 Destruction of

school property

Eastern 626 76 12.4 Destruction of

school property
and loss of life

Rift 625 50 8.0 Violent and

Valley destructive

Western 408 19 4.7 Minor

destruction to
school property

Nairobi 93 2 0.02 Minor damage to

school property

North 21 7 33.3 Destruction of

Eastern school property

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Supplement Issue (October), http://www.peace.link.it/anb-bia/nr419/e08.html

113
 Table 2

Goodness-of-fit Indicators for the SCNS Hypothetical Model for the 96

Items
Model χ2 df χ2/df GFI AGFI NNFI CFI
SCNS model 21102.47 4461 4.73 .59 .57 .59 .59

Note. SCNS = Student Counseling Needs Scale; GFI = goodness-of-fit index; AGFI = adjusted
goodness-of-fit index; NNFI = non-normed fit index; CFI = comparative fit index.

114
Table 3
Item, Component Loading, Communality Estimates, Means, and Standard Deviations for the Five-Factor Student Counseling Needs Scale

Item Factor loading h2 M SD

Factor 1: Human Relationships (15 variables)

To handle disapproval or opposition from others if I choose a course
usually taken by the opposite sex .64 .45 5.04 1.61
To know about the causes and results of family break-up .61 .44 5.13 1.56
To know about the kind of decisions and difficulties I will face as a parent .60 .51 5.07 1.56
To understand how a job affects leisure time .58 .32 5.09 1.44
To know about jobs that are usually filled by the opposite sex, but are available to both sexes .58 .32 4.78 1.74
To understand how being male or female affects my career choices .58 .39 4.89 1.69
To develop close and lasting relationships .55 .28 5.34 1.37
To know how to deal with sickness or death in the family .54 .39 5.44 1.17
To handle discouragement from other students if I have an interest in
or choose a course usually taken by the opposite sex .52 .32 5.06 1.61
To know how to get along with boys and girls .50 .35 5.27 1.29
To know how to get along with members of both sexes while working together .49 .32 5.34 1.32
To know how the place where I live affects job opportunities .48 .37 5.17 1.33
To take courses appropriate to my career choice even though most often
they are taken by the opposite sex .47 .30 4.99 1.61
To know some things that cause problems in families such as
moving, divorce, death or unemployment .47 .43 5.13 1.48
To know how to find help when my family has problems .46 .34 5.48 1.14

Factor 2: Career Development (13 variables)

To know how to pick a good college .66 .49 5.60 1.00
To understand my interests and abilities, and how these can help me make a career choice .66 .49 5.76 .69
To know how to prepare for careers in which I am interested .62 .47 5.84 .58
To know how to choose colleges that would help prepare me for a specific career .59 .41 5.71 .83
To understand the process of selecting courses that I would like to take .59 .30 5.80 .71
To know how to seek help in selecting courses that would help meet my career goals .57 .42 5.73 .73
To know about various colleges and what they offer .52 .39 5.52 1.08
To know how to make plans for what I will do after completing high school .51 .41 5.71 .83
To know how to explore careers in a specific area in which I am interested .47 .30 5.78 .67

115
To know how to select courses that will help me meet my career goals .45 .36 5.82 .64
To know how to increase motivation for studying subjects that I think are difficult .45 .30 5.78 .73
To know how to make choices that fit both my needs and interests .45 .36 5.73 .75
To know how to develop skills that will help me excel in all subjects that I like to take .43 .37 5.83 .60

Factor 3: Social Values (9 Variables)

To understand the importance of abstaining from premarital sex .83 .59 5.20 1.56
To know the effects of pre-marital sex and teenage pregnancy .77 .59 5.20 1.50
To know how sex can affect my life .69 .45 5.27 1.46
To be able to handle pressure from my friends related to the use of drugs and alcohol .57 .48 5.32 1.40
To know how to help a friend who has a problem with drugs or alcohol .55 .43 5.56 1.11
To know where to find help for alcohol or drug problems .53 .37 5.10 1.59
To know how to say no to people who try to get me to use cigarettes, drugs and alcohol .53 .34 5.48 1.31
To know what drugs are and what they can do to people .52 .47 5.23 1.37
To know which leisure and recreational activities best fit my interests and needs .43 .40 5.40 1.22

Factor 4: Self-Development (9 Variables)

To understand my strengths and talents .68 .39 5.85 .64
To know how to develop learning habits and skills that I can use throughout life .65 .41 5.84 .60
To know how to study and how to get the most out of my study time .64 .40 5.84 .62
To know how to handle my problems .59 .34 5.75 .74
To understand, accept and like myself .59 .40 5.62 .97
To know how to improve my writing, reading, and speaking skills .49 .41 5.59 .98
To know how to improve my test-taking skills .48 .34 5.67 .81
To be able to complete the tasks and projects which I start .47 .35 5.57 .94
To know how to express those thoughts and feelings that are important to me .47 .28 5.60 .92
To develop good work habits .41 .31 5.64 .79

Factor 5: Learning Skills

To know how to take good notes .77 .58 5.47 1.04
To know how to listen and ask questions in class .74 .60 5.61 .94
To know how to start and finish my assignments well .71 .62 5.54 1.02
To know how to organize my class and homework materials .59 .49 5.52 1.02
To understand that boys and girls can perform well in any subject .40 .43 5.23 1.45

116
Table 4

Means, Standard Deviations, and Coefficient Alpha Reliability Estimates

Variables N Mean SD alpha

1. Human Relationships 15 77.20 13.54 .88

2. Career Development 13 74.60 6.31 .87

3. Social Values 9 47.74 8.83 .87

4. Self Development 10 56.98 5.14 .83

5. Learning Skills 5 27.36 4.32 .84

6. SCNS 52 283.88 30.42 .94

117
Table 5

Correlations between Human Relationships, Career Development, Social Values, Self

Development, and Learning Skills Subscales

Variable 1 2 3 4 5

n = 867

1. Human Relationships ⎯ .60** .62** .38** .48**

2. Career Development ⎯ .52** .50** .50**

3. Social Values ⎯ .39** .54**

4. Self Development __ .57**

5. Learning Skills __

**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 Level (2-tailed)

118
Table 6

Two-Way ANOVA Summary Table for Gender and Form Differences

Source Sum of Squares df Mean Squares F

Sex 7.59 1 7.59 22.88*

Form 2.51 3 .84 2.53

Interaction effect 1.24 3 .413 1.25

Error 282.57 852 .33

Note. * p < .05

119
 APPENDIX A

Summary of recommendations from Pilot Study Participants

Answers to feedback questions

Q1: Did you understand all the questions? Yes No
If your answer is “No”, please write the numbers of the questions you did not
understand.

1, 16, 17, 58, 59, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 100

Q3: Did all the questions ask about the needs of secondary school students?
Yes No
If your answer is “No”, write the numbers of the questions that did not ask about the
needs of secondary school students.

10, 13, 14, 15, 26, 31, 41, 48, 50, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 65, 73, 80, 90, 94

Comments from students with number of respondents in brackets

− Include exposure to dream career – after school
− Ask about religious influence
− Pregnancy
− Peer pressure
− AIDS/HIV (2) and STDs; safe sex
− Problems of drug (4) and alcohol abuse
− How difficult or easy the syllabus is
− Handling intimate relationships (3)
− Importance of abstaining from sex
− Opinion on teaching methods
− Effect of being on scholarship
− Ask questions relating to life in school not out of school
− Ask about sex in school: student-student, student-teachers (9)
− Too much on lifestyle, and too little on help-style
− Financial need; poverty (3)
− Problems at home (2)
− Parental pressure (2)
− Seriousness in school (2)
− Entertainment
− Self-esteem (2)
− Avoid questions on tribalism
− Avoid questions on marriage (6)
− Attitude towards and relationship with teachers (9)
− Involvement in making choices

120
 − Subject load

Revised Items in the Initial SCNS

Item Pilot Study Item Revised Item
1 To identify and understand a wide variety To understand a wide variety of
of feelings (happy, sad and mad) feelings (happy, sad and angry)
11 To know about different jobs in different To know about different jobs
areas available in Kenya
21 To know how to take good notes in class To know how to take good notes
27 To know that boys and girls can perform To understand that boys and girls
well in any subject can perform well in any subject
44 To know how to make plans for what I To know how to make plans for
will do after completing high school (job what I will do after completing high
opportunities, training programs, school
college/vocational schools)
52 To understand the process of selecting To understand the process of
courses that I am would like to take selecting courses that I would like to
take
60 To know how to get along with members To know how to get along with
of both sexes on the job members of both sexes while
working together
65 To be able to state my own ideas To be able to state my own ideas
effectively
66 To know how to develop skills that will To know how to develop skills that
help me excel in all the subjects that I will help me excel in all subjects that
would like to take I like to take
73 To handle discouragement from other To handle discouragement from
students if I want to choose a course other students if I have an interest in
usually taken by the opposite sex or choose a course usually taken by
the opposite sex
98 To handle adult disapproval if I want to To handle disapproval or opposition
choose a course usually taken by the from others if I choose a course
opposite sex usually taken by the opposite sex

New/Modified Items for Initial SCNS

Item Pilot Study Item New/Modified Item
13 To know some reasons why people To know the importance of work in
work people’s life
15 To know some things I like to do To know how to relate well with
teachers
29 To know what I like to do for fun To develop good self-esteem
41 To know about possible careers and the To know the relationship between
world of work school and work
82 To know how to come up with many To understand the importance of

121
 possible choices to settle a problem abstaining from premarital sex
87 To know how to select courses that fit To know how to make choices that fit
both my needs and interests both my needs and interests
92 To understand the role of marriage and To know how to handle intimate
how it works relationships
94 To know about the causes and results of To know about the causes and results
divorce of family break-up
99 To know how friends can affect my To know how sex can affect my life
leisure time

122
 APPENDIX B

Catell’s Scree Plot

Scree Plot
30

20

10
Eigenvalue

0
1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 56 61 66 71 76 81 86 91 96

Factor Number

123
 APPENDIX C

Distribution of Normalized Residuals

The CALIS Procedure
Covariance Structure Analysis: Maximum Likelihood Estimation

Distribution of Asymptotically Standardized Residuals

Each * Represents 20 Residuals

----------Range--------- Freq Percent

-8.37855 -7.85489 1 0.02

-7.85489 -7.33123 1 0.02
-7.33123 -6.80757 1 0.02
-6.80757 -6.28391 3 0.06
-6.28391 -5.76025 6 0.13
-5.76025 -5.23659 18 0.39
-5.23659 -4.71293 50 1.07 **
-4.71293 -4.18928 95 2.04 ****
-4.18928 -3.66562 100 2.15 *****
-3.66562 -3.14196 159 3.41 *******
-3.14196 -2.61830 215 4.62 **********
-2.61830 -2.09464 310 6.66 ***************
-2.09464 -1.57098 317 6.81 ***************
-1.57098 -1.04732 377 8.10 ******************
-1.04732 -0.52366 357 7.67 *****************
-0.52366 0 386 8.29 *******************
0 0.52366 498 10.70 ************************
0.52366 1.04732 328 7.04 ****************
1.04732 1.57098 282 6.06 **************
1.57098 2.09464 260 5.58 *************
2.09464 2.61830 197 4.23 *********
2.61830 3.14196 169 3.63 ********
3.14196 3.66562 129 2.77 ******
3.66562 4.18928 111 2.38 *****
4.18928 4.71293 75 1.61 ***
4.71293 5.23659 41 0.88 **
5.23659 5.76025 31 0.67 *
5.76025 6.28391 35 0.75 *
6.28391 6.80757 30 0.64 *
6.80757 7.33123 21 0.45 *
7.33123 7.85489 12 0.26
7.85489 8.37855 10 0.21
8.37855 8.90221 5 0.11
8.90221 9.42587 4 0.09
9.42587 9.94953 2 0.04
9.94953 10.47319 4 0.09
10.47319 10.99685 3 0.06
10.99685 11.52051 2 0.04
11.52051 12.04417 1 0.02
12.04417 12.56783 3 0.06
12.56783 13.09149 2 0.04
13.09149 13.61515 1 0.02
13.61515 14.13880 1 0.02
14.13880 14.66246 2 0.04
14.66246 15.18612 0 0.00
15.18612 15.70978 0 0.00
15.70978 16.23344 0 0.00
16.23344 16.75710 0 0.00
16.75710 17.28076 0 0.00
17.28076 17.80442 0 0.00
17.80442 18.32808 1 0.02

124
 APPENDIX D

Rank order of the 10 largest normalized residuals

Rank Order of the 10 Largest Asymptotically Standardized Residuals

Row Column Residual

V79 V78 18.17277

V94 V93 14.40171
V91 V82 14.16261
V78 V77 14.06643
V22 V21 13.55871
V79 V77 12.94565
V43 V42 12.59478
V99 V91 12.27603
V98 V73 12.26794
V99 V82 12.10371

125
 APPENDIX E

Pilot Study Questionnaire

The Development of the Student Counseling Needs

Scale Questionnaire
This questionnaire is designed to find out your needs as a
student. The information you provide is confidential and
will be used to provide the services that students require
while in school. Please answer the questions truthfully.
Remember this is not an examination and there are no right
or wrong answers.

SECTION I

1) School: ________________ 2) Province: ______________

3) Age: _______ 4) Male Female

5) Tribe: __________________ 6) Religion: ______________

7) Form: One Two Three Four

9) Home location: Urban Rural

8) Please indicate your parent/guardians’ occupation and highest level

of education (e.g. university, college, high school, primary, none)

Occupation Education

Father: __________________ _________________

Mother: __________________ _________________
Guardian 1:__________________ _________________
Guardian 2:__________________ _________________

126
SECTION II
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
for you under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

1. To identify and understand a wide variety of
1 2 3 4 5 6
feelings (happy, sad and mad)
2. To know how to express those thoughts and
1 2 3 4 5 6
feelings that are important to me
3. To know how to handle my problems 1 2 3 4 5 6
4. To understand my strengths and talents 1 2 3 4 5 6
5. To understand, accept and like myself. 1 2 3 4 5 6
6. To know how to improve my writing, reading, and
1 2 3 4 5 6
speaking skills
7. To be able to complete the tasks and projects which
1 2 3 4 5 6
I start
8. To know how to improve my test-taking skills 1 2 3 4 5 6

9. To know how to develop learning habits and skills

1 2 3 4 5 6
that I can use throughout life
10. To know how to study and how to get the most out
1 2 3 4 5 6
of my study time

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

11. To know about different jobs in different areas 1 2 3 4 5 6
12. To know about good work habits 1 2 3 4 5 6
13. To know some reasons why people work 1 2 3 4 5 6
14. To understand why people need to work together 1 2 3 4 5 6

15. To know some things I like to do 1 2 3 4 5 6

16. To understand my values and know how to make
1 2 3 4 5 6
choices
17. Circle “3” for this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
18. To know how to look at my decisions so that I can
1 2 3 4 5 6
change poor ones
19. To know how to accept responsibility for my decisions 1 2 3 4 5 6
20. To know how to amend friendship after conflict 1 2 3 4 5 6

127
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
for you under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

M
As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA STA
A
21. To know how to take good notes in class 1 2 3 4 5 6
22. To know how to listen and ask questions in class 1 2 3 4 5 6

23. To know how to organize my class and homework

1 2 3 4 5 6
materials
24. To know how to start and finish my assignments well 1 2 3 4 5 6
25. To know how to do my best on tests and examinations 1 2 3 4 5 6
26. To understand how to work and play with both boys
1 2 3 4 5 6
and girls in an activity
27. To know that boys and girls can perform well in any
1 2 3 4 5 6
subject
28. To know about different hobbies and leisure activities
that I can do during my spare time 1 2 3 4 5 6

29. To know what I like to do for fun 1 2 3 4 5 6

30. To know how to develop a career plan 1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

31. To understand the differences and similarities between 1 2 3 4 5 6
people of different tribes
32. To know how to get along with boys and girls 1 2 3 4 5 6
33. To know how to ask parents, teachers and other adults 1 2 3 4 5 6
for help
34. Do not answer this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
35. To know how to say no to people who try to get me to 1 2 3 4 5 6
use cigarettes, drugs and alcohol
36. To understand the challenges that students have in high 1 2 3 4 5 6
school
37. To know where to go to get help when I have a 1 2 3 4 5 6
problem concerning my studies
38. To know how to complete high school successfully 1 2 3 4 5 6
39. To make a plan of high school classes which will be 1 2 3 4 5 6
best for me, and review and change them as necessary.
40. To know how to seek help in selecting courses that 1 2 3 4 5 6
would help meet my career goals

128
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

41. To know about possible careers and the world of
1 2 3 4 5 6
work
42. To know how to explore careers in a specific area in
1 2 3 4 5 6
which I am interested
43. To know how to prepare for careers in which I am
1 2 3 4 5 6
interested
44. To know how to make plans for what I will do after
completing high school (job opportunities, training 1 2 3 4 5 6
programs, college/vocational schools)
45. To understand my interests and abilities, and how
1 2 3 4 5 6
these can help me make a career choice
46. To know how to deal with the consequences of
1 2 3 4 5 6
saying no to my friends
47. To know what drugs are and what they can do to
1 2 3 4 5 6
people
48. To know how to get along with my family 1 2 3 4 5 6
49. To know some things that cause problems in families
1 2 3 4 5 6
such as moving, divorce, death or unemployment
50. To know how to find help when my family has
1 2 3 4 5 6
problems

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

51. To know how to find courses that fit both my needs
1 2 3 4 5 6
and interests
52. To understand the process of selecting courses that I
1 2 3 4 5 6
am would like to take
53. To know what my goals are and the value of these
1 2 3 4 5 6
goals
54. To know how basic skills (math, reading, etc) relate to
1 2 3 4 5 6
my career goals
55. To know how to work together with other students in
1 2 3 4 5 6
class
56. To know how the place where I live affects job
1 2 3 4 5 6
opportunities
57. To know about jobs that are usually filled by the
1 2 3 4 5 6
opposite sex, but are available to both sexes
58. To take courses appropriate to my career choice even
1 2 3 4 5 6
though most often they are taken by the opposite sex

129
 59. Circle “1” for this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
60. To know how to get along with members of both sexes
1 2 3 4 5 6
on the job

For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

61. To know how to help with family responsibilities 1 2 3 4 5 6
62. To know how to avoid and resolve conflict with others 1 2 3 4 5 6
63. To have confidence in myself 1 2 3 4 5 6
64. To understand how my feelings affect my behavior 1 2 3 4 5 6
65. To be able to state my own ideas 1 2 3 4 5 6
66. To know how to develop skills that will help me excel in all the
1 2 3 4 5 6
subjects that I would like to take
67. To understand what courses I should take to get to a college
1 2 3 4 5 6
program that I like
68. To know how to increase motivation for studying subjects that I
1 2 3 4 5 6
think are difficult
69. To understand the language and methods that teachers use in
1 2 3 4 5 6
class
70. To understand the purpose of examinations 1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

71. To be able to deal with life when I feel down 1 2 3 4 5 6
72. To be able to understand others 1 2 3 4 5 6
73. To handle discouragement from other students if I want to
1 2 3 4 5 6
choose a course usually taken by the opposite sex
74. To know good ways of communicating my feelings 1 2 3 4 5 6
75. To develop close and lasting relationships 1 2 3 4 5 6
76. To understand how being male or female affects my career
1 2 3 4 5 6
choices
77. To know about various colleges and what they offer 1 2 3 4 5 6
78. To know how to pick a good college 1 2 3 4 5 6
79. To know how to choose colleges that would help prepare me for
1 2 3 4 5 6
a specific career
80. To know how to decide on a field of study 1 2 3 4 5 6

130
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

81. To accept others as well as be accepted by them 1 2 3 4 5 6
82. To know how to come up with many possible choices to
1 2 3 4 5 6
settle a problem
83. To know how to help a friend who has a problem with
1 2 3 4 5 6
drugs or alcohol
84. To know which leisure and recreational activities best fit
1 2 3 4 5 6
my interests and needs
85. To be able to handle pressure from my friends related to
1 2 3 4 5 6
the use of drugs and alcohol
86. To know how to select courses that will help me meet my
1 2 3 4 5 6
career goals
87. To know how to select courses that fit both my needs and
1 2 3 4 5 6
interests
88. To know how to develop recreational interests that will
make my leisure time more enjoyable (for example 1 2 3 4 5 6
hobbies and sports)
89. Skip this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
90. To understand how a job affects leisure time 1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

91. To know the effects of pre-marital sex and teenage
1 2 3 4 5 6
pregnancy
92. To understand the role of marriage and how it works 1 2 3 4 5 6
93. To know about the kinds of decisions and difficulties I
1 2 3 4 5 6
will face as a parent
94. To know about the causes and results of divorce 1 2 3 4 5 6
95. To know how to deal with sickness or death in the family 1 2 3 4 5 6
96. To understand the role that academic achievement plays in
1 2 3 4 5 6
determining my future
97. To know how to improve my grades 1 2 3 4 5 6
98. To handle adult disapproval if I want to choose a course
1 2 3 4 5 6
usually taken by the opposite sex
99. To know how friends can affect my leisure time 1 2 3 4 5 6
100. To know where to find help for alcohol or drug problems 1 2 3 4 5 6

131
SECTION III
This section requests you to provide your feedback and
suggestions about the questions you have answered above.
Your suggestions will be used to make the questions easier
for other students to understand. Remember it is your
opinion and there are no right or wrong answers.

1. Did you understand all the questions? Yes No

If your answer is “No”, please write the numbers of the questions
you did not understand.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

2. Do you know all the words used in the questions? Yes No

If your answer is “No”, please write all the words you don’t know.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

3. Did all the questions ask about the needs of secondary school
students? Yes No
If your answer is “No”, write the numbers of the questions that did
not ask about the needs of secondary school students.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

4. What suggestions can you give to the researcher about the

questions so that they all ask about the needs of secondary
school students?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

132
 APPENDIX F

Main Study Questionnaire

The Development of the Student Counseling Needs Scale

Questionnaire

This questionnaire is designed to find out your needs as a

student. The information you provide is confidential and
will be used to provide the services that students require
while in school. Please answer the questions truthfully.
Remember this is not an examination and there are no right
or wrong answers.

SECTION I

1) School: ________________ 2) Province: ______________

3) Age: _______ 4) Male Female

5) Tribe: __________________ 6) Religion: ______________

7) Form: One Two Three Four

9) Home location: Urban Rural

8) Please indicate your parent/guardians’ occupation and highest level

of education (e.g. university, college, high school, primary, none)

Occupation Education

Father: __________________ _________________

Mother: __________________ _________________
Guardian 1:__________________ _________________
Guardian 2:__________________ _________________

133
SECTION II
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
for you under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

1. To understand a wide variety of feelings (happy, sad and
1 2 3 4 5 6
angry)
2. To know how to express those thoughts and feelings that
1 2 3 4 5 6
are important to me
3. To know how to handle my problems 1 2 3 4 5 6
4. To understand my strengths and talents 1 2 3 4 5 6
5. To understand, accept and like myself. 1 2 3 4 5 6
6. To know how to improve my writing, reading, and
1 2 3 4 5 6
speaking skills
7. To be able to complete the tasks and projects which I start 1 2 3 4 5 6
8. To know how to improve my test-taking skills 1 2 3 4 5 6

9. To know how to develop learning habits and skills that I

1 2 3 4 5 6
can use throughout life
10. To know how to study and how to get the most out of my
1 2 3 4 5 6
study time

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

11. To know about different jobs available in Kenya 1 2 3 4 5 6
12. To know develop good work habits 1 2 3 4 5 6
13. To know the importance of work in people’s life 1 2 3 4 5 6
14. To understand why people need to work together 1 2 3 4 5 6

15. To know how to relate well with teachers 1 2 3 4 5 6

16. To understand my values and know how to make choices 1 2 3 4 5 6
17. Circle “3” for this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
18. To know how to look at my decisions and how to change
1 2 3 4 5 6
poor ones
19. To know how to accept responsibility for my decisions 1 2 3 4 5 6
20. To know how to amend friendship after conflict 1 2 3 4 5 6

134
 For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
for you under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6
As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA
21. To know how to take good notes 1 2 3 4 5 6
22. To know how to listen and ask questions in class 1 2 3 4 5 6

23. To know how to organize my class and homework materials 1 2 3 4 5 6

24. To know how to start and finish my assignments well 1 2 3 4 5 6
25. To know how to do my best on tests and examinations 1 2 3 4 5 6
26. To understand how to relate well with both boys and girls in
1 2 3 4 5 6
an activity
27. To understand that boys and girls can perform well in any
1 2 3 4 5 6
subject
28. To know about different hobbies and leisure activities that I
can do during my spare time 1 2 3 4 5 6

29. To develop good self-esteem 1 2 3 4 5 6

30. To know how to develop a career plan 1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

31. To understand the differences and similarities between people 1 2 3 4 5 6
of different tribes
32. To know how to get along with boys and girls 1 2 3 4 5 6
33. To know how to ask parents, teachers and other adults for 1 2 3 4 5 6
help
34. Do not answer this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
35. To know how to say no to people who try to get me to use 1 2 3 4 5 6
cigarettes, drugs and alcohol
36. To understand the challenges that students have in high 1 2 3 4 5 6
school
37. To know where to go to get help when I have a problem 1 2 3 4 5 6
concerning my studies
38. To know how to complete high school successfully 1 2 3 4 5 6
39. To make a plan of high school classes which will be best for 1 2 3 4 5 6
me, and review and change them as necessary.
40. To know how to seek help in selecting courses that would 1 2 3 4 5 6
help meet my career goals

135
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

41. To know the relationship between school and work 1 2 3 4 5 6
42. To know how to explore careers in a specific area in
1 2 3 4 5 6
which I am interested
43. To know how to prepare for careers in which I am
1 2 3 4 5 6
interested
44. To know how to make plans for what I will do after
1 2 3 4 5 6
completing high school
45. To understand my interests and abilities, and how these
1 2 3 4 5 6
can help me make a career choice
46. To know how to deal with the consequences of saying
1 2 3 4 5 6
no to my friends
47. To know what drugs are and what they can do to people 1 2 3 4 5 6
48. To know how to get along with members of my family 1 2 3 4 5 6
49. To know some things that cause problems in families
1 2 3 4 5 6
such as moving, divorce, death or unemployment
50. To know how to find help when my family has
1 2 3 4 5 6
problems

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

51. To know how to find courses that fit both my needs and
1 2 3 4 5 6
interests
52. To understand the process of selecting courses that I would
1 2 3 4 5 6
like to take
53. To know what my goals are and the value of these goals 1 2 3 4 5 6
54. To know how basic skills (math, reading, etc) relate to my
1 2 3 4 5 6
career goals
55. To know how to work together with other students in class 1 2 3 4 5 6
56. To know how the place where I live affects job
1 2 3 4 5 6
opportunities
57. To know about jobs that are usually filled by the opposite
1 2 3 4 5 6
sex, but are available to both sexes
58. To take courses appropriate to my career choice even
1 2 3 4 5 6
though most often they are taken by the opposite sex
59. Circle “1” for this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
60. To know how to get along with members of both sexes
1 2 3 4 5 6
while working together

136
 For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

61. To know how to help with family responsibilities 1 2 3 4 5 6
62. To know how to avoid and resolve conflict with
1 2 3 4 5 6
others
63. To have confidence in myself 1 2 3 4 5 6
64. To understand how my feelings affect my behavior 1 2 3 4 5 6
65. To be able to state my own ideas effectively 1 2 3 4 5 6
66. To know how to develop skills that will help me
1 2 3 4 5 6
excel in all subjects that I like to take
67. To understand what courses I should take to get to a
1 2 3 4 5 6
college program that I like
68. To know how to increase motivation for studying
1 2 3 4 5 6
subjects that I think are difficult
69. To understand the language and methods that
1 2 3 4 5 6
teachers use in class
70. To understand the purpose of examinations 1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

71. To be able to deal with life when I feel down 1 2 3 4 5 6
72. To be able to understand others 1 2 3 4 5 6
73. To handle discouragement from other students if I have
an interest in or choose a course usually taken by the 1 2 3 4 5 6
opposite sex
74. To know good ways of communicating my feelings 1 2 3 4 5 6
75. To develop close and lasting relationships 1 2 3 4 5 6
76. To understand how being male or female affects my
1 2 3 4 5 6
career choices
77. To know about various colleges and what they offer 1 2 3 4 5 6
78. To know how to pick a good college 1 2 3 4 5 6
79. To know how to choose colleges that would help
1 2 3 4 5 6
prepare me for a specific career
80. To know how to decide on a field of study 1 2 3 4 5 6

137
For each of the items statements below, please circle the number that is appropriate
under one of the six categories:

Strongly Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately Strongly

Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree
(STD) (MD) (SD) (SA) (MA) (STA)
1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

81. To accept others as well as be accepted by them 1 2 3 4 5 6
82. To understand the importance of abstaining from
1 2 3 4 5 6
premarital sex
83. To know how to help a friend who has a problem
1 2 3 4 5 6
with drugs or alcohol
84. To know which leisure and recreational activities best
1 2 3 4 5 6
fit my interests and needs
85. To be able to handle pressure from my friends related
1 2 3 4 5 6
to the use of drugs and alcohol
86. To know how to select courses that will help me meet
1 2 3 4 5 6
my career goals
87. To know how to make choices that fit both my needs
1 2 3 4 5 6
and interests
88. To know how to develop recreational interests that
will make my leisure time more enjoyable for 1 2 3 4 5 6
example hobbies and sports)
89. Skip this question 1 2 3 4 5 6
90. To understand how a job affects leisure time 1 2 3 4 5 6

As a student, I would like: STD MD SD SA MA STA

91. To know the effects of pre-marital sex and teenage
1 2 3 4 5 6
pregnancy
92. To know how to handle intimate relationships 1 2 3 4 5 6
93. To know about the kinds of decisions and difficulties I
1 2 3 4 5 6
will face as a parent
94. To know about the causes and results of family break-
1 2 3 4 5 6
up
95. To know how to deal with sickness or death in the
1 2 3 4 5 6
family
96. To understand the role that academic achievement
1 2 3 4 5 6
plays in determining my future
97. To know how to improve my grades 1 2 3 4 5 6
98. To handle disapproval or opposition from others if I
1 2 3 4 5 6
choose a course usually taken by the opposite sex
99. To know how sex can affect my life 1 2 3 4 5 6
100. To know where to find help for alcohol or drug
1 2 3 4 5 6
problems

138
 APPENDIX G

School Principal’s Informed Consent and Approval for the Study

I have read the research proposal being submitted by Pius Nyutu, MA, and we have
discussed it. I understand that he is conducting this research under the supervision of
Norman Gysbers, PhD, and under the sponsorship of the Department of Educational,
School and Counseling Psychology of the University of Missouri-Columbia.

I understand that the purpose of this study is to develop an instrument that can be used to
assess the counseling needs of secondary school students in Kenya. I understand the
methods by which he proposes to collect data from a sample of students in this school. I
understand that the participating students will complete questions that ask about their
academic, career, and personal needs. They will also be asked to complete some
questions about their background. They may also be asked to provide some feedback
information about the questions. I understand that the survey is projected to take about 45
minutes to complete.

I understand that the students’ participation is voluntary, and they will also provide their
individual consent. I understand that they are free to withdraw their participation at any
time they may choose to do so. I understand that in his publication of results he will
ensure anonymity of all participants of the school and the school system. I understand
that the data collected will be kept confidentially by him, and will only be accessible to
him, his supervisor Dr. Norman Gysbers, and to the Ministry of Education in Kenya if
requested. I further understand that this research will not interfere with the normal
activities of this school, and that Pius Nyutu will not interfere with the students’ work.

I understand that no harm will occur to the students for their participation or lack of
participation in this study. I further understand that, if I have any concerns about the
student’s participation, I can withdraw them from the study at any time before, during,
and after the data collection.

I agree to allow this study to be conducted in this school. I also agree on behalf of
parents/guardians, to the participation of the students selected, since acquiring parental
consent is not possible at this time.

I understand that I may contact the primary researcher, Pius Nyutu, M.A., at 1-573-268-
8398 or pnnmqc@mizzou.edu, if I have questions about the study, would like updates
about the study, or would like to request that he present his research to a group of people.
I also understand that I may also contact his dissertation supervisor, Dr. Norman Gysbers
at 1-882-6386 or gysbersn@missouri.edu. If I have any questions regarding the rights of
research participants, I may contact the University of Missouri-Columbia Institutional
Review Board at 1-573-882-9585.

Signature: ________________________ Date: _____________

139
 APPENDIX H

Informed Consent
The Development of Student Counseling Needs Scale

Description of this Research Project

Thank you for considering participating in this research study. This study is being
conducted by Pius Nyutu a doctoral student at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The
study is conducted under the direction of Dr. Norman Gysbers and has been approved by
the University of Missouri Institutional Review Board.

The purpose of this research is to develop an instrument that will be used to identify the
counseling needs of secondary school students in Kenya. The results will help schools to
establish counseling and guidance programs. The schools will also know how to help
students overcome personal problems, increase their performance, and prepare for their
future careers.

Your Participation is Voluntary

If you choose to participate, you will complete questions that ask you about your
academic, career, and personal needs. You will also be asked to complete some questions
about your background. You may also be asked to provide some feedback information
about the questions. The questions will take about 45 minutes to complete.

There are no material benefits or harmful risks associated with your participation in this
study. You may however experience some discomfort while answering some questions
that ask about your personal needs. This discomfort is not more than what you encounter
in everyday life. You may choose to stop participating at any time before, during, and
after the survey.

Your school Principal has agreed that this research be conducted in this school. The
Principal has also approved your participation as a representative of your
parents/guardians.

Consent
I consent to take part in the research investigating the counseling needs of secondary
school students in Kenya. It has been explained to me and I understand that:

- My participation is voluntary, and there is no penalty for refusal to participate. I

am free not to answer any question that I choose not to answer. I am free to
withdraw my consent and may end my participation at any time.

- My participation is confidential, and my name will not be associated with any

reported results of this research. My name will be kept separate from my
completed survey.

- My participation or non-participation will not affect my grades and academic

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 performance. The information that I provide will not be seen by the school
administration, teachers, students, or anybody else not associated with this study.

- My participation in this research is not expected to involve any risks greater than
those ordinarily encountered in daily life.

If I have any questions at any time about this research or the procedures, I may contact
the researcher or the supervisor at the addresses below:

Researcher: Pius Nyutu

Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology
16 Hill Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65201
USA
Phone: 1-573-268-8398
Email: pnnmqc@mizzou.edu

Supervisor: Norman Gysbers, PhD

Professor, Department of Educational, School and Counseling
Psychology
16 Hill Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65201
USA
Phone: 1-573-882-6386
Email: gysbersn@missouri.edu

If you require any additional information on the University of Missouri’s policies on

human participation in research, you may contact the MU Campus Institutional Review
Board office at 1-573-882-9585. Address: 483 McReynolds Hall, University of Missouri,
Columbia, MO 65201, USA.

Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the above information
and you agree to participate in this research.

Name/Signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________

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 APPENDIX I

SCNS Oral Script

Good afternoon? Thanks for giving me a moment to speak with you. My name is Pius
Nyutu, and I am currently studying for a PhD degree in Counseling Psychology at the
University of Missouri - Columbia in the United States of America. I did my high school
and college studies here in Kenya and worked for some years as a teacher and education
administrator before moving to the US for graduate studies. I have a specially interest in
helping secondary school students to complete their education and prepare for careers of
their choice.

I am here at your school today to ask you for your participation in a study that I am doing
at the University to identify the counseling needs of secondary school students in Kenya.
The findings will be used to establish programs that can help you and other students meet
those needs.

To participate, you will fill out a survey that will require approximately 45 minutes of
your time. I will hand out packets that include the questionnaire and two consent forms. I
will then read through the consent form and let you ask questions. If you choose to
participate, please sign the consent form and then complete the questionnaire. Please do
not put your name on the questionnaire. After you finish, put one signed consent form in
this box indicated “Signed Consent Forms”, and the completed questionnaire in this other
box indicated “Questionnaires”. Keep the other consent form for your own records.

Your participation is completely voluntary. You will not be penalized in anyway if you
choose not to participate. Your participation or non-participation will not affect your
grades or any other aspect of your life as a student. Make you sit on a place where no one
else can see what you are writing on the surveys. This will ensure your privacy and
confidentiality. I will keep the information you provide safely, and it will not be seen by
your teachers, parents, other students, and or anybody else not associated with this
research.

If you have any questions, I will be available as you complete the surveys and afterwards,
so feel free to approach me at any time. You can also contact me later through the contact
provided in the consent form.

Thank you for your help!

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 VITA

Pius Nyutu grew up in Kenya. After attending schools

in Central and Nairobi Provinces, he received the following

degrees: Bachelor of Philosophy (1991) and Bachelor of

Theology (1994) from Pontifical Urbanian Univeristy, Rome;

Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from Catholic University

of Eastern Africa at Nairobi (2000); and M.A. in School

Counseling and Guidance from Lewis University at

Romeoville, Illinois. He will receive a Ph.D. in Counseling

Psychology in 2007. Mr. Nyutu will complete his psychology

internship at the University of Florida Counseling Center

in Gainesville, Florida. His areas of special interests are

the development of counseling methods applicable to

Africans, school counseling in Kenya, and multicultural

competencies.

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