Personality as a Predictor of Involvement in Risky Sexual Behaviour: A Study Conducted Among Students in Secondary Schools in Nyakach Sub-county Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Risky sexual behaviour is a common habit among young people in the world, but its relation with personality has not been explored exhaustively, especially in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between personality sub-types and involvement in risky sexual behaviour among secondary school students in Nyakach Sub-county using a Correlational research design. A multistage random sampling was used to determine sample size of 46 schools (88%) and 390 students (22%). Data was collected using Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and Risky Sexual Behaviour Questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages and mean) as well as inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation and multiple regressions). The major findings of the study showed relationship between personality and involvement in risky sexual behaviour (for introversion r=-0.439, extroversion r= 0.786, neuroticism r=-0.410 and Psychoticism r= 0.025). Multiple regression at R2= 0.679 showing that personality subtypes are significant predicators of involvement in risky sexual behaviour at 67.9%. The study recommended that categorizing and profiling the students into their most dominant personality subtypes is one way that can be used to offer strategic counseling so as to handle various students depending on their personality subtypes.