An alternative integrated pastoral counseling model to mitigate crimes of passion: insights from faculty and university students in Kenya, Kiambu County /

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of crimes of passion among university students has raised significant concerns. These crimes have adverse emotional and psychological outcomes. Existing pastoral counseling models, including Biblical Counseling, Christian Counseling, Levels of Explanation, and integration models, have not fully addressed the rising incidence of these crimes, indicating a gap in the current frameworks. This study aimed to explore crimes of passion among university students in Kiambu County, Kenya, to develop an integrated pastoral counseling model (ICM) tailored to this context. The study's primary objectives were to determine the prevalence of crimes of passion among university students in Kenya’s Kiambu County, examine the specific psychosocial factors that contribute to the prevalence of crimes of passion among university students in Kenya's Kiambu County, examine the counseling systems used in counseling survivors of crimes of passion in Kiambu County’s selected universities, and assess the effectiveness of an integrated counseling model toward the mitigation of crimes of passion among university students in Kiambu’s selected institutions. Employing a mixed methods research design, specifically the convergent parallel mixed methods approach, the study utilized semi-structured questionnaires and interviews to gather data from 150 participants, including students and faculty. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS v27, while qualitative data was analyzed through narrative techniques to understand participant perspectives. Findings indicated a troubling rise in crimes of passion, with significant emotional and psychological factors, such as relationship issues and inadequate coping mechanisms, contributing to the phenomenon. Existing support systems within universities were found to be fragmented and under-resourced, failing to address the needs of affected students. The study proposed the ICM, which integrates mental health professionals, social workers, pastoral counselors, and academic advisors to create a comprehensive support system. The ICM aims to offer continuous care, prevent crimes of passion, mitigate their impacts, and support affected students through an interdisciplinary approach. To implement the model effectively, it is recommended that universities allocate resources to support this model, foster collaborations with community organizations and mental health agencies, and conduct ongoing evaluations to refine the approach. Further research should explore the long-term effects of crimes of passion, the impact of social media, and the applicability of the ICM in diverse settings. Additionally, future studies should examine the roles of gender, academic stress, substance abuse, and culturally sensitive interventions to enhance understanding and prevention strategies within the ICM context.