Under fives: research and policy

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between avoidant attachment and relational aggression among pre-schoolers. The study was based on Attachment theories by Bowlby (1973) and Ainsworth (1969) supported by Aggression theory by Bandura (1969). The study adopted Concurrent Triangulation Research Design within the mixed methods approach. The target population comprised of 131 preschool teachers, 923 parents, 1,159 Learners and 1 education officer in Nyakach Sub-County. A sample size of 40 pre-school teachers, 277 parents, 348 pre-schoolers and 1Sub-county Coordinator of ECDE was obtained using a combination of simple random sampling, cluster random sampling and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Parent-child attachment and Relational Aggression questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while interview schedules were used to obtain qualitative data. In addition, observation checklist was also used to obtain data. The research supervisors at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology evaluated the instruments to ascertain their content, construct and face validities. The reliability was ensured using cronbach alpha technique and an alpha of 0.786 was reported. Trustworthiness of qualitative data was also ensured. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation and linear regression while qualitative data was analyzed by thematic analysis. The study findings showed a non significant (n=236; r = -0.043; p =.772) weak negative correlation between avoidant attachment and relational aggression among pre-schoolers. Based on findings, the study recommended that the Board of Management of schools should develop school mental health programs, with the specific aim at addressing emotional and conduct related needs and difficulties of the learners especially for the withdrawn from avoidant attachment backgrounds.