Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Article Title: Late Childhood and Adolescent Externalizing and Internalizing Psychopathology in Rural Public Secondary and Primary Schools in Western Kenya
by Watindi Risper

Abstract:
This paper addresses the level of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems in students and pupils between ages 11 and 18 years in rural public Secondary and Primary schools. The study design was cross-sectional; using stratified random sampling among students and pupils in the study area. Close and open ended questionnaires were administered to 176 students and pupils in schools. Externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were assessed by ASEBA Youth Self Report 11-18 years. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Data analysis was computed using SPSS statistical software and to systematically classify data into the syndromes an ADM (Assessment Data Manager) was used. Presentation of the study results was in tables. Study findings showed that there are prevalence of subclinical (27%) and clinical (30.1%) internalizing problems among pupils/students in public primary and secondary school than subclinical (15.6%) and clinical (13.7%) externalizing problems. The study established a higher relationship between internalizing problems and gender. Gilts had higher internalizing problems than boys, while boys had higher externalizing problems than girls. In additional there was high association between internalizing problems with age groups. Age group 15 - 18 years had high internalizing problems. The study is of great benefit to psychologists and Kenyan government in coming up with mental health policies. The study recommended that government, NGOs and other stakeholders should enhance mental health treatment services in rural areas. More counseling should be emphasized in public primary and secondary schools.

Keywords: psychopathology, externalize, Internalize, late childhood, adolescence, clinical.

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