An investigation of some of the psychological problems of primary school pupils in selected primary schools of Mirigamieru west division of Meru Central district.

Abstract

Department of Educational Psychology, 74p. :ill The LB 1121.M8 2000

The main purpose of this project was aimed at surveying some of the psychological problems of primary school pupils in selected primary school in Mirigamieru West Division of Meru Central District finding out if the teachers are aware about them, finding out perceived causes of these psychological problems, and how teachers handle them. Finally, the study also aimed at recommending, on the basis of the study findings, possible improvements in the handling of primary school pupils who manifest psychological problems.
 
 The study was conducted in 4 primary schools in Mirigamieru West Division, Meru Central District and involved 147 subjects (127 pupils from both public and private schools and 20 teachers). Questionnaire was used as study instruments one constructed for pupils and another for teachers. The questionnaires were given and collected personally by the researcher.
 
 The findings arrived after conducting the study is given below;
 
 1. Pupils in primary schools, both in public and boarding schools have various psychological problems such as phobia, feeling worried, feeling shy, withdrawal, seeking attention, poor academic performance to mention but a few.
 
 2. The teachers (respondents) considered conduct related psychological problems that directly affect academic performance as more serious, than personality or neurotic problem, while pupils indicated personality problems to be common and disturbing to them.
 
 3. Home related causes, such as poverty, broken homes, family conflicts, rejection, separation from parents, overprotection, pressure from parents, conflicts between home and school together with school related causes as, examination pressure, competition in school, fear of failure, harsh teachers, punishments, many subjects taught and assignments were as the major cause of pupils of psychological problems.
 
 4. In dealing with pupils psychological problems, pupils mentioned that when they exhibit some problems, they are sent home (to call parents) they are caned, they are given manual work as punishment, they are talked to in guidance and counselling. The most common methods mentioned by pupils are punishment, caning, followed by guidance and counselling while teachers mentioned that they use guidance and counseling more frequently in handling pupils with psychological problems.

Kenyatta University