Demographic Differences in Satisfaction in Interpersonal Relationships Among Consecrated Religious in Catholic Higher Educational Institutions in Lang’ata Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to examine the socio-demographic differencesin relation to satisfaction in interpersonal relationships among consecrated religious in Catholic higher education institutions in Lang’ata Sub-County, Kenya. The study employed a quantitative paradigm to collect data and analyze it. A correlational research design was utilized. Proportionate stratified random sampling method was used to select 329 participants that took part in the study. The study was based on the Big Five Model and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation theory. Data was collected using the Big Five Inventory and the Relationship Assessment Scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that levels of satisfaction in interpersonal relationship varied across different demographic variables in the following manner; gender (male, M=26.6889, SD=3.24302; female, M=26.3673, SD=3.29400), stage of religious life (perpetually professed, M=27.0000, SD=3.05273, temporary professed, M=26.3578, SD=3.3578). Age, Participants within age range of 40-46 years old had a high mean of 27.1818, SD=2.83912 than the rest. Respondents with PhD degrees had a high mean (M=27.0000, SD=.00000) as compared to the rest. Lastly, participants who been in religious life for 11-20years old reported a higher mean of 27.5455, SD=2.99052 as compared to the rest. The study concluded that demographic variables have an influence on satisfaction in interpersonal relationship among the consecrated religious. The study recommends that counsellors need to psycho-educate the clients especially those who scored low in satisfaction in interpersonal relationships on how to develop interpersonal skills.