FORMATORS’ OBSERVANCE OF THE VALUES OF ETHICAL CODE OF CONDUCT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF CANDIDATES IN RELIGIOUS FORMATION IN LANGATA SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI KENYA

Abstract

This study investigated Formators’ Observance of The Values of Ethical Code of Conduct on Psychological Well-Being of Candidates in Religious Formation in Langata Sub-County, Nairobi Kenya. The study sought to find out: the effects of formators’ observance of ethical code of conduct for the well-being of candidates’ self-concept, self-dignity and interpersonal relationships; the effects of formator’s non-observance of the values of ethical code of conduct on candidates’ risky decision making; and possible intervention strategies for more effective experiences of religious formation. The study was anchored on the Theory of Observational Learning of Albert Bandura, which upholds the hypothesis that learning and formation of character occurs when a candidate’s performance changes after viewing a behavioural model. The study used convergent parallel mixed methods research designs. The researcher collected quantitative data using self-designed questionnaires; while self-designed interview guides were used to collect qualitative data. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data were coded and analysed according to the emerging themes, based on research questions. The target population was 27 formation communities, 90 male candidates, 72 female candidates in formation, 54 formators and 27 major superiors in Langata South Road, Nairobi. Purposive sampling technique was employed to choose 90 candidates under formation (50 male and 40 female), 40 formators and 20 major superiors. The findings of the study revealed that non-observance of values of ethical code of conduct has serious effects on self-concept, self-dignity, interpersonal relationships and risky decision making among candidates in religious formation. The study recommends that religious formation should be guided by explicit ethical code of conduct that should be made part of the community culture for both the formator and the candidates.