Association between Social Factors and Conduct Disorder among Adolescents in Selected Charitable Institutions.

Abstract

Conduct disorder (CD) is a disruptive mental health condition characterized by aggressive, hostile, deceitful and disobedient behaviour. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between conduct disorder and social factors within charitable institutions. The study included a sample of 174 individuals (n=174) selected from a population of 348 boys and girls aged 10 to 17 living in two charitable children’s institutions (CCIs) in Kenya. A correlational research design was employed, and a stratified random sampling technique was used for participant selection. Data collection involved a social demographic questionnaire and a conduct disorder scale. Inferential statistics were applied, including paired t-tests, which revealed statistically significant association between conduct disorder and respondent’s age (p<.001), experience of violence (p=.003), lacking basic needs (p<.001) and drug abuse (p=.007). As a result, the study recommends the implementation of counseling services, personalized adult supervision, and creative approaches for managing adolescents within CCIs. These recommendations aim to address and mitigate the behavioral challenges associated with conduct disorder among young residents in charitable institutions.