Correlation between Positive Psychology and Student Outcomes in Selected Secondary Schools in Kasarani, Nairobi County, Kenya

Positive psychology advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to view the world as full of growth opportunities rather than being overwhelmed by problems. In Kenya, research on the impact of positive psychology on student outcomes is still limited, and the recognition of its role in education is relatively recent. This is reflected in the Ministry of Education’s mentorship policy, which aims to empower learners to reach their full potential. The present study responded to the Ministry’s call for more research on positive psychology in Kenya, specifically focusing on examining the impact of positive psychology dimensions on student outcomes in Kasarani Sub-County. The study was anchored on social cognitive theory and employed a correlational research design. The research was conducted in secondary schools within Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. Together, the schools had a student population of approximately 17,224. A sample of 100 students was selected using stratified sampling to ensure proportional representation from both public and private schools. Data was collected using the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) and the Positive Personality Traits Questionnaire (PPTQ). Data was analyzed using correlation and regression techniques in SPSS version 23. Regression analysis revealed that positive psychology explained 34.9 % of the variance in student outcomes to a statistically significant degree; (R2=.349, p<.01, F (1) =17.156), with positive individual traits accounting for the strongest effect size (B=.492, p<.05), followed by positive subjective experience (B=.203, p<.05), and lastly, positive organizational development (B=.160, p<.05). The results underscore the importance of promoting positive psychology in secondary schools. As such, positive psychology programs, especially those that focus on nurturing positive individual traits should form part and parcel of secondary school education system.