Peer-Rational and Family Counseling and Bio- Psychosocial Wellness of Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Kampala and Wakiso Districts of Uganda
Christine Beepath Namazzi, Frank Pio Kiyingi & Andrew P. Yiga
Nkumba University, Uganda
Email: cnamazzi@gmail.com
Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between peer-relational and family counselling and the biopsychosocial wellness of students in selected secondary schools in Kampala and Wakiso Districts of Uganda. Guided by Self-Determination Theory and the Biopsychosocial Approach, the study employed a cross-sectional survey design using a mixed-methods approach. The study population comprised 6,692 students, teachers, and school counsellors, from which a sample of 410 respondents was selected through simple random, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Linear Regression Analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that students generally held positive perceptions of peer-relational and family counselling services (M = 3.278, SD = 0.842). Students also reported moderate to high levels of biopsychosocial wellness (M = 3.420, SD = 0.643), with intellectual and social wellness recording the highest scores. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between peer-relational and family counselling and biopsychosocial wellness (r = .624, p < .001). Regression results further showed that peer-relational and family counselling significantly predicted students’ biopsychosocial wellness (β = .477, t = 16.63, p < .001), explaining 38.8% of the variance in wellness outcomes (Adjusted R² = .388).The study concludes that peer-relational and family counselling significantly enhance students’ emotional stability, resilience, social connectedness, and overall wellness. It recommends strengthening peer-support programmes, increasing family involvement in counselling services, and promoting collaboration between schools, families, and communities.
