Mediating Role of Boundary Setting on Sexual Risk Behaviours and Psychological Well-Being of Youth in Selected Citam Assemblies, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Today's youth face unique challenges that threaten their Well-being. One significant issue is the exposure to sexual information at an early age, which can interfere with their normal development. This study investigated the mediating role of boundary setting on sexual risk behaviour (SRB) and psychological well-being of youth in selected CITAM assemblies in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: the assessment of the psychological well-being of youth, the investigation of the relationship between SRB and the psychological well-being of youth, and the determination of the mediating role of boundary setting on the relationship between SRB and the psychological well-being of youth in selected CITAM assemblies in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was based on the ecological systems theory. A correlational research design was used. The target population comprised 3,995 youths from nine CITAM assemblies in Nairobi City County. A sample of 365 youth was selected. Stratified sampling was applied to ensure representation from various CITAM assemblies. Data were collected using the Psychological Well-being Scale, Boundary Setting Scale, and Risky Sexual Behaviours Scale. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 was used to compute Pearson correlation and mediation regression modeling. The results were presented in tables and figures for easier understanding and interpretation. The study found that the majority of respondents had high psychological Well-being (80.2%) and strong prosocial behaviour (92.2%). Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between risky sexual Behaviour and psychological Well-being (ρ = -0.231, p < 0.01), indicating that lower involvement in SRB was associated with higher levels of psychological Wellbeing among the youth. Boundary setting fully mediated the relationship between SRB and psychological well-being (β = -.936, t = -2.073, p < .05). It was concluded that the youth in the selected CITAM Assemblies generally maintain a stable and functional psychological state, demonstrating strong social skills and pro-social tendencies that serve as protective factors. Engagement in SRB undermined psychological well-being among youth. Boundary setting served as an essential mechanism through which SRB influence psychological well-being, effectively offsetting the negative impact of risky sexualinvolvement when boundaries are maintained. The study recommended thatyouths should intentionally practice setting and maintaining clear boundaries in relationships.