Effect of peer counseling on self-esteem of learners with behavioral and emotional difficulties in primary schools in Nakuru sub-county

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of peer counselling on self esteem of learners with behavioural and emotional difficulties in mainstream primary schools in Nakuru Sub County. Descriptive survey design was employed in the study. The study population will comprise of 677 learners with emotional and behavioural difficulties and 59 teacher counsellors drawn from 59 public primary schools in Nakuru Sub County. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 22 teacher counsellors as study respondents. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 203 learners with emotional and behavioural difficulties as study respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of SPSS latest version and presented in tables. The study concludes that the level of self esteem of learners with emotional and behavioural difficulties in primary schools in Nakuru sub County was generally as moderate. The study also concludes that to some extent peer counseling offered in many primary schools in Nakuru Sub County promoted self esteem of learners with emotional and behavioural difficulties thus enhancing their self esteem. The study findings are expected to guide policy formulation on the implementation of guidance and counselling programme for special needs learners. Key words: Emotional and behavioural difficulties, Guidance and Counseling, peer counselling, Mainstream, Self-Esteem, Special Needs learners, Teacher Counsellor,