Browsing by Author "Wang'ombe, Josephine N."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Assessing the influence of social support and community engagement on emotional resilience after loss among the elderly in Kabete sub-county, Kiambu county, Kenya
    (KCA University, 2025) Wang'ombe, Josephine N.
    Aging populations around the world face numerous challenges, including urbanization, changing family structures, and the erosion of traditional support systems. As individuals age, they often encounter various adversities, especially the loss of loved ones, which significantly impacts their emotional well-being. This study aimed to explore how community involvement and social support influence emotional resilience in older adults in Kabete Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya, particularly after experiencing loss. The objectives of the study were to examine the role of community engagement in emotional resilience, assess the impact of social support, and identify the challenges elderly individuals face in maintaining resilience after loss. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed to investigate these relationships. The study targeted elderly individuals aged 60 and above who had experienced the loss of a loved one, with a sample size of 98 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including means, frequencies, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis, were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between community engagement and emotional resilience (r = 0.558, p < 0.01), indicating that active participation in religious and social groups significantly enhances resilience. In contrast, social support showed a weak and insignificant relationship (r = 0.027, p = 0.803), suggesting that the support received was often inconsistent or event-based. Challenges such as loneliness, limited access to healthcare, and financial strain were found to negatively affect emotional resilience (r = –0.730, p < 0.01). The regression analysis revealed that community engagement was the strongest positive predictor of resilience (β = 0.514), while challenges had a significant negative effect (β = –0.410). The study concluded that community engagement is a crucial protective factor, strengthening emotional resilience among the elderly, while social and structural challenges continue to hinder their emotional recovery. The study recommends enhancing structured community programs, intergenerational initiatives, and psychosocial support services for the elderly to foster sustained emotional well-being and facilitate adaptive recovery after bereavement. These findings contribute to the development of culturally relevant intervention models for improving the emotional health of senior citizens, particularly in urban and peri-urban African contexts.