Browsing by Author "Seleshi Zeleke"

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    Academic Self-Concept of Remedial Program Students in Private Higher Education Institutions of Addis Ababa: The Role of Academic Motivation and Perceived Social Support
    (Addis Ababa University, 2026-05) Metmeku Yohanis; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this study was to examine the academic self-concept of remedial program students in private higher education institutions of Addis Ababa and the role of academic motivation and perceived social support. The study was conducted using sequential explanatory mixed method research design. Data were collected from 366 participants. The quantitative data were collected through self-reported questionnaires by using academic self-concept questionnaire, academic motivation scale and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. The qualitative data were collected through an in depth interview. The quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 27 whereas the qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the participant’s academic self-concept was medium. There was statistically significant gender difference in the academic self-concept of remedial program students in private colleges of Addis Ababa. Male students scored significantly higher in academic self-concept than female students. Academic motivation was strongly and positively correlated (r=0.605, p,0.001) with academic self-concept. Perceived social support was moderately associated with academic self-concept (r = .412, p<.001)). The regression analysis results indicated that academic motivation is a significant predictor of academic self-concept, explaining 36.6% of the total variance. Academic motivation and perceived social support together explained 41.5 % of the variance in academic self-concept. The qualitative phase shows intrinsic motivation functioned as a psychological buffer against the weight of prior failure; the conditionality of family support mattered as much as its presence; and also prior academic history and the nature of academic motivation associated with academic self-concept. Key terms; Academic self-concept, Academic motivation, Perceived social support, remedial Program, Private higher education.
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    Adolescents’ Prosocial Behavior and its Relationships to Parenting Style and Peer Pressure Among Addis Ababa High School Students
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Abel Solomon; Seleshi Zeleke
    The current study investigated prosocial behavior, parenting style and peer pressure of adolescent students in secondary school. One hundred fifty adolescents (Mean age = 15.69 years, 48.7% females) measured their own prosocial behaviors, their perceptions of parenting styles of their parents used and positive and negative peer pressure they experienced from best friend(s). Questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative analyses (both descriptive and inferential statistics) were used to analyze the obtained data. The study shows that, altruism prosocial behavior is the most dominant type of prosocial behavior. There was no significant gender difference in overall prosocial behavior. The results further indicated that there was a significant gender difference in the parenting style. However, there was no significant mean difference in prosocial behaviors among adolescents from different parenting style background. Whereas there was significant mean difference in some prosocial behaviors of adolescents due to positive and negative peer pressures they experienced from best friend(s). The current study has important implications for parents, schools, government and non government sectors and practitioners who are concerned about promoting adolescents’ positive behaviors and discouraging negative behaviors
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    Barriers to Utilizing Counseling Services among High School Students (The Roles of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Eden Assefa; Seleshi Zeleke
    Adolescence, marked by significant changes, requires effective support systems, especially considering mental health challenges like academic stress and identity issues. Despite the recognition of the importance of counseling services, their uptake is hindered by factors like lack of awareness, stigma, and cultural barriers. The main aim of this study was to investigate barriers to utilizing counseling services and the roles of knowledge, attitude, and practice among high school students in Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa with a total sample size of 427 study participants. The data were entered into epi-info software and analyzed using SPSS. Bi-variate and multi-variate analyses were employed using a logistic regression model. They were interpreted based on the odds ratio and level of statistical significance at a p-value of 0.05. Out of the total study participants, 63.9% heard about counseling services, 61.6% (95% CI: 56.9%- 66.1%) had a favorable attitude towards counseling services, and 39.1% (95% CI: 34.6%- 43.8%) had utilized counseling services. The logistic regression analysis indicated that those who had inadequate knowledge about counseling services were 2.50 times less likely to seek counseling services than those who had adequate knowledge (AOR= 2.50; 95%CI: (1.59- 3.90)) (p < .001). Besides, those who were learning at Balcha Abanefso were 5.23 times more likely to seek counseling services than those who were learning at Africa Hibret (AOR= 5.23; 95%CI: (2.87-9.52) with p-value < 0.001. In conclusion, the data highlights a significant awareness and positive attitude towards counseling services among the participants. However, the utilization rate of counseling services stands at only 39.1%, indicating a gap between knowledge and actual engagement with these services. Keyword: barrier, knowledge, attitude, practice, Addis Ababa
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    Challenges of Ethiopian male migrant returnees from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia: the case of Gurd Shola Transition center, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-06-01) Fana Baysa Kassa; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges of Ethiopian male migrant returnees from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who were temporarily placed at Gurd Shola Transition center, in Addis Ababa. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. Participants were identified using purposive sampling. 159 migrant returnees were chosen to participate in the study. They provided data for the study through a questionnaire which was administered and recorded by data collectors. The data were analyzed mainly using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that most participants had experienced challenging living conditions both in Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In particular, physical and psychological problems were major challenges of the migrant returnees in both work and prison environments. One may conclude from the findings that the migrant returnees faced different challenges starting from the time they initiated the migration process, during the time they were working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during their stay in the prison in Saudi Arabia, and after their return to their home country. Implications of the findings for the migrant returnees’ reintegration and the need for sound reintegration program that especially includes job opportunities are drawn. Keyword: Migration, saudialization, returnee migrant, reintegration
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    Coordination of Care For Orphan and Vulnerable Children in Nifas Silk Lafto Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University , 2021-01) Elham Yesuf; Seleshi Zeleke
    Purpose; The general objective of this study was to assess the provision of Coordination of care for orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) in the case Nifas Silk Lafto Sub city. The sub city was chosen based on the service provider’s number in the sub city. According to Ethiopian SSDGL(2010); the basic needs of the OVCs are (7+1); (1) Shelter and care, (2)Food and Nutrition, (3) Health care , (4) Economic Empowerment , (5) Psychosocial Support, (6) Legal Protection and (7) Educational Support, the +1 is the most important component of OVC service provision which is Coordination of Care this component is all about coordinating different services for OVC by network building, resource mobilization and referral linkage to address the whole needs of the OVC. This is because a single sector may not provide all the identified needs of the OVC so Coordination of care is very important. This study assesses the provision of coordination of care for OVC in line with the Quality standards of OVC service provision set by the SSDGL (2010). Method; the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods for addressing the intended purpose. A total of 131 participants participated (114 for quantitative) and (17 for the .qualitative) One Sample t-test and One way ANOVA was conducted to analyze the quantitative data. Result; the study result indicated that across the service providers in the study which are; Government WYCA, CCC and NGOs there is a statistically significant difference when comparing their mean score on the quality dimensions. There is capacity gap to perform all the quality standards. The CCCs needs more capacity building trainings and the government should support them more. The NGOs in the study scored more on the technical part of the scale and this shows that the coordination needs more functional network to utilize the existing professional resource
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    Factors that Contribute to Suicidal Attempt among High School Students
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022) Manyahilshal Haile; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this study was to explore the major factors that contribute to suicidal attempt among high school students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Suicide is a serious but preventable public health problem that results in social, emotional, and economic consequences in families, friends, and colleagues. The study employed non-probability sampling technique (namely, purposive or judgmental sampling technique) to select participants of the study. Accordingly, six high school students who had recently attempted to commit suicide participated in the study. The researcher contacted the six high school students through a school counselor who knows the adolescents very well. A semi-structured interview was used to obtain data from the participants. The interview sessions were audio recorded with the consent of the participants. The records were then transcribed verbatim and the researcher read the transcripts several times to identify the recurring themes. The qualitative data were then presented in the form of narratives that reflect the participants’ views. The findings show that lack of family support, separation from loved ones, death of loved one, hopelessness and loneliness are the major contributing factors associated with suicidal attempt among the participants. Overall, poor treatment of adolescents by parents or relatives and lack of time on the part of parents to treat their children led the adolescents to loneliness, hopelessness and finally to suicidal attempt. The study concludes that lack of family support, separation from or death of loved one, hopelessness and loneliness are the major contributing factors which led adolescents to suicidal attempt. The study suggests some ways of preventing adolescents’ suicidal attempts which may be used by the adolescents’ families, school community and policy makers. Keywords: Suicide, suicidal attempt, adolescents, contributing factors
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    Gender Differences in Mathematics Achievement As A Function of Attitudes in Grades 8 Through 11 (in Northern Shoa Region)
    (Addis Ababa University, 1995-06) Seleshi Zeleke; Darge Wole
    The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in mathematics achievement as a function of attitudes among 8th, 9th, loth, and 11th graders in Northern Shoa region. A questionnaire, an attitude scale, and mathematics tests were administered to a random sample of 515 boys and 332 girls from 5 randomly selected secondary schools. Analysis of variance, analysis o f covariance, and chi-square were employed on the data. The results indicated statistically significant differences (at . 01 level) between males and females in both mathematics achievement and attitudes among 9th, loth, and 11th graders. But at the 8th grade level, a statistically significant gender difference was found in mathematics achievement but not in attitudes. All significant differences were in favor of males. Results of the analysis of covariance similarly indicated sUbstantial gender differences in mathematics achievement at all grade levels. Also, peers, parents, and teachers tend to hold lower expectations for girls than for boys in mathematics. It was concluded that the gender difference in mathematics achievement was due not only to the gender difference in attitudes but due a lso to other variables which influence the mathematics l earning of boys and girls differently. Pr act i ca l impl i cation s of the findings are i ndicated .
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    Knowledge, Attitude and Motivation of Voluntary Blood Donors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Selam Aysheshim; Seleshi Zeleke
    This study examined the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and motivations with donation practices among regular and lapsed donors in Addis Ababa. A mixed-method study was conducted at the Ethiopian Red Cross Society Blood Donation Center. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires from 200 voluntary donors (66% regular, 34% lapsed), while qualitative interviews supplemented the findings. Most participants were males (69%), aged 26–35 years, and held undergraduate degrees (66%). About 74% demonstrated adequate knowledge, and all respondents held favorable attitudes toward blood donation. Major motivators for first-time donation included influence from friends and relatives (37.5%) and donation campaigns (17%). Factor analysis identified four motivational domains: altruistic values, personal rewards, self-esteem, and social influence. A chi-square and independent t-test showed that regular donors have significantly higher knowledge, attitude, and service perception scores than lapsed donors. Logistic regression showed that attitude (OR = 1.246, p < .001) and value-based motivation (OR = 2.292, p < .001) significantly predicted regular donor status. Knowledge had a marginal association (p = .069), while reward, esteem, and social motives were not significant predictors. Value based appeals, better service experiences, and improving donor education could improve donor retention strategies in Ethiopia. Keywords: knowledge, attitude, blood donation, VFI
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    Parenting Style in Amhara Region: Development and Validation of Parenting Style Scale and Investigation of Adolescents’ Self-esteem, Identity Style and Psychological Wellbeing (Doctoral Dissertation)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-04) Aemero Tadesse; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this research was to develop and validate Adolescents’ Perceived Parenting Style (PPSS) scale, and investigation of adolescents’ self-esteem, identity style and psychological wellbeing using two subsequent studies. The first study was designed to develop an instrument for measuring parenting style in the context of Amhara region . For this study, an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was employed to explore the types of parenting styles and their indicators qualitatively, then followed by quantitative method to examine the psychometric properties of the scale. Samples were drawn from government general secondary and preparatory school students in Amhara region using simple random sampling and stratified random sampling based on students’ sex and grade level as strata. For this study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Data for qualitative analysis were gathered form adolescent informants using focus group discussion, whereas data for quantitative analysis were gathered from the expert judges and school adolescents. From school adolescents, data were collected twice, one for preliminary analyses such as item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and reliability analysis based on the responses of 436 participants (Male = 216; Female = 220), and the other for examining confirmatory factor analysis as well as convergent and discriminant validity analysis using the responses of 314 participants (Male = 156; Female = 158) from the four zonal towns (i.e., Debre Birhan, Finot-selam, Debre Tabor, Bahir Dar) in the region. The final results revealed that a 4-factor solution (Reasonable, Decent, Pampering & Autocrat) with a 26-item was identified, and then confirmed with good fit indices using LInear Structural RELations (LISREL 8.80 version). Moreover, acceptable convergent and discriminant validity evidence were found. Thus, it would be suffice to say that APPS scale measures what it purports to measure. The second study was designed to investigate the relations of parenting styles with psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, and identity style. In addition, the study focused on examining the mediating roles of self-esteem and identity style on the relationship between parenting style and psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, parenting style differences due to demographic variables (sex, family structure & number of siblings) was another concern of the study. With the same procedure in study one, data were collected from 411 participants (Male = 211; Female = 200) for the main study and the analyses were made using mainly multiple regression, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and path analysis. The results indicated that adolescents who perceived their parents as decent and reasonable showed better off in their self-esteem, identity style and psychological wellbeing. Moreover, self-esteem, informational identity style and normative identity style were partially mediated between parenting styles and psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, significant differences in adolescents’ perceived parenting styles were observed due to the differences in their sex, family structure and number of sibling. Finally, based on the findings, some practical and theoretical implications, limitations and directions for future research were addressed
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    “Psychological Treatments” Provided to Mental Health Patients in Torhailoch Specialized Hospital: Situation Analysis
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-05) Debebe Tiruneh; Seleshi Zeleke
    A qualitative research of explanatory case study type was applied to investigate the situation of psychological treatments that are provided to mental health patients in Torhailoch Hospital. Six psychiatric nurses and three psychiatric patients were involved in the study by using purposive sampling method. Interviews, observations and document analysis were also applied to collect data. Four points were identified as findings. The psychiatric nurses who were delivering the psychological service in the hospital had inadequate trainings regarding psychological therapies; the psychiatric nurses did not make use of any theory of psychotherapy while they were conducting group or individual therapy; the prominent psychological service that was given in the hospital was group therapy which comprised of every psychiatric patient in a single group, and focusing on providing psychoeducation; the hospital gave little attention to the use psychological means for the treatment of psychiatric patients. However, it found that the psychiatric nurses and the mental health patients had positive attitudes toward the usefulness of psychological therapies for the wellbeing of patients. Moreover, the psychiatric nurses had high interest to help patients using psychological method
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    Psychosocial Problems and Coping Mechanisms of sexually Abused Girls in Shelter Home: The Case of Society for International Ministries (SIM) Girl’s Shelter Home Project, Addis Ababa.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2017-10) Simegn MarkosMarkos; Seleshi Zeleke
    The experience of child sexual abuse can leave a host of adverse behavioral, social, and psychological consequences. The main objective of the study was to explore psychosocial problems encountered by sexually abused girls and their coping mechanisms at Society for International Ministries (SIM) girl’s shelter home, Addis Ababa. These sexually abused girls usually suffer from psychosocial problems like low self-esteem, moderate level of anxiety and poor social interaction etc., and yet, these psychosocial needs of the sexually abused girls are often unconcerned by the service providers and stakeholders; as a result a number of the girls leave the project. Therefore, to understand the significant psychosocial issues of sexually abused girls, the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods, and used different data collection instruments such as questionnaire. The age of the residents ranged between 9-26 years. For the present study (n=80) representative sample selected, 10 (Ten) participants interviewed and also key informant interviews were conducted with 5 (Five) participants. The participants of the interviews and key informant interviewees were selected using purposive sampling techniques. As well, descriptive statistics used for data summarization and presentation, the data collected from these respondents analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical program. The study revealed that sexually abused girls accessed all basic needs necessary to sustain their lives. Whereas, research revealed that majority of sexually abused girls have experienced psychosocial problems (low self-esteem, moderate level of anxiety and poor social interaction), because of history of sexual abuse, insecure parental relationship with service providers, lack of freedom, discrimination by community and lack of proper psychosocial services. Regarding to their coping mechanisms, most of the participants employed emotion focused coping mechanisms (talking to people, crying & bury feeling internally, and isolating themselves from social activities) and, problem focused coping mechanism (praying).Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that placing and expanding psychosocial services like applying counseling for girls, providing life skill training for care givers, having parental love, care and protection and employing proper coping mechanisms will be valuable to help them to return to a meaningful life in future. KEY WORDS, psychosocial problems, psychosocial well-being, sexually abused girls, Shelter, coping mechanism
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    Readiness to Change among People With Substance Use Disorder Who are Admitted for Treatment in Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Centers in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Mekonnen Anley; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness to change, explore factors influencing readiness to change and assessing level of voluntariness among people with substance use disorder who are admitted for treatment in Jadber psychiatry and substance rehabilitation center, Ethiopian Prosthetic and Orthotic services (EPOS) mental and substance rehabilitation center and new life substance rehabilitation centers in Addis Ababa. The study was conducted in sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design. The research was conducted from 60 participants; complemented by insights from three key informants and three selected substance abusers. The quantitative data was collected through self-reported questionnaires by using socio demographic questionnaires, substance use history assessment and SOCRATES with three subscales; ambivalence, recognition and taking steps and the qualitative data was collected through in depth interview. The quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, frequency and inferential statistics like independent samples t test, multiple linear regressions by using SPSS version 26 and the qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the participant’s readiness to change within three subscales; ambivalence, recognition and taking steps was low. While the majority of participants entered the rehabilitation centers voluntarily, there was no significant difference in their readiness to change across three subscales; ambivalence, recognition, and taking steps between voluntarily and involuntarily admitted individuals with alcohol and other drug abuse issues. The qualitative component of the study explored various factors influencing readiness to change, which were categorized into different themes. Psychological factors identified included low self-confidence, perceived fear of withdrawal symptoms, fear of relapse, and cravings. Environmental factors encompassed the availability of substances, exposure to previous destination and lack of job opportunities, while social factors highlighted poor family and social support, peer pressure, ineffective family approaches, and perceived stigma Key terms; level of voluntariness, readiness to change, rehabilitation centers, stages of change, substance abus
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    The Relationship between Prosocial Behavior, Self-Concept and Parenting Style among Volunteers in Mekedonia Humanitarian Association, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University , 2021-12) Selamawit Demesse; Seleshi Zeleke
    The major purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prosocial behavior, parenting style and self-concept. Closed-ended questionnaires of prosocial Tendencies Measure (PTM), Parenting Styles Scale (PSS), and social self-esteem inventory were used to gather data from a random sample of 105 (65 female and 40 male) volunteers. Most of the questions present in a 5-point scale format. Correlation and regression analysis, ANOVA, t test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. The result indicated that volunteers have high level of prosocial behavior. Similarly, statistically significant relations were found among prosocial behavior, parenting style and self-concept. Prosocial behavior have significant positive relationship with parenting style(r =.275, p<.01) and self concept(r =.345, p<.01). Regarding of gender there was no statistically significant difference between male and female volunteers in prosocial behavior. Self-concept and parenting style accounted for the 17.3 % of proportion of variance in prosocial behavior. It was concluded that self-concept and parenting style play vital roles in the development of prosocial behavior.
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    Risk Sexual Behavior Among College Students and Bar Ladies the Case of Awassa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Berhanu Dendena; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk sexual behavior among college students and bar ladies. To meet the objective, the Hawasa University students, bar ladies found in Awassa, and customers participated in the study. The number of respondents was 480 (180 male students, 150 female students and 150 bar ladies). The students were selected using stratified random sampling technique. However, bar ladies were chosen using simple random sampling technique. In addition 40 respondents (10 male students, 10 female students, 10 bar ladies and 10 customers) participated in interviews. o The data obtained through the questionnaire were entered, cleaned and analyzed using the SPSS software, and analyzed and interpreted through Mean, Standard Deviations, One way -ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison test. The data gathered through interviews were analyzed and interpreted using thematic analysis. The study found out that college students had better knowledge about HIV / AIDS than bar ladies. However, in practice bar ladies were more protected from HIV / AIDS. They were better in HIV / AIDS prevention strategies than college students. College students had more favorable attitude towards VCT than bar ladies. Mass media (TV and Radio), anti- AIDS clubs, school and health institutions were the major sources of HIV / AIDS information for college students and bar ladies. Finally, it is very helpful encouraging college students to transfer their knowledge about HIV / AIDS in to practice
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    The Self-Concept of Children with and Without Mathematics Difficulties in Awassa primary school
    (Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Fikirte Petros; Seleshi Zeleke
    Several investigations have studied related to children with disabili ties. No research related to the area of learning difficulties or mathematics difficulties has been done particularly in Ethiopia. The development of self-concept has a great impact in tile area of mathematics difficulties. Creating awareness and providing valuable information related to the self-concept qf children with mathematics difficulties was the main objective of the study. The study investigated the difference in self-concept of children wi th and wi thout mathematics difficulties based on the response of CFSEI-2. Twenty grade five children were chosell in each group depending on the criteria of children with and without mathematics learning difficul ties. Statistical methods such as Pearson r chi square and t-tests were used to analyze the data. In accord with previous research, children with mathematics difficulties were found to hold lower opinions of their mathematics abilities than children without mathematics difficulties. Also, children with mathematics difficulties held less favorable perception of their academic abilities. However children with and without mathematics difficulties did not differ in ratings of general self-concept. These results indicate that children with mathematics difficulties maintain general positive self-evaluations, despite their recognition of limitations in some areas
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    The Situation of Perceived Parent-Child Communication About Sexuality and its Relationship With Adolescents' Sexual Behavior
    (Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Getinet Ashenafi; Seleshi Zeleke
    This study was conducted on 365 high school students in the age range 15-19 (mean age= 16.73) SD= 1.20) to investigate the situation of parentchild sexual communication and its relationship with adolescents) sexual behavior. A 20 item parent-child communication scale was administered to collect data on father-child and mother-child communication separately. To obtain data on adolescents ) sexual behavior) a seven item close-ended questionnaire was employed. Interview was also held with five students to get supplementary information. The data obtained on parent-child communication showed a medium level of communication. There was significant difference observed between mothers and fathers in communicating about sexuality with their children. Mothers were found to communicate more frequently than were fathers. Sex difference was also observed among adolescents. Females reported significantly more frequent communication with their mothers than did boys. Parents) education was positively associated with parent-child sexual communication. Significant negative correlation was found between perceived parent-child communication and sexual behavior of adolescents. Better communication was significantly associated with lower sexual risk behavior. Implications of parent-child sexual communications for adolescents ) healthy sexual behavior are discussed
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    The Role of Social Intelligence, Big Five Personality traits and Psychological Adjustment on University Students’ Intercultural Competence
    (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025-06) Tessema Amente; Seleshi Zeleke
    The purpose of this study was to examine the role of social intelligence, big five personality traits and psychological adjustment on university students’ intercultural competence. The research utilized a correlational research design. Data were collected twice: initially for instrument validation, involving reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), as well as convergent and discriminant validity assessments, with 476 participants (male = 244; female = 232). The reliability and validity of the instruments were deemed satisfactory. The factor analysis conducted for instrument validation indicated that most items were valid and suitable for the constructs they aimed to measure, which was further supported by favourable fit indices. Additionally, evidence for acceptable convergent and discriminant validity was established. The second round of data for the main study were collected from 528 participants (male = 276; female = 252) through proportionate stratified random sampling techniques. Measure of relationship, structural equation model (SEM) and MANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that a sizable percentage of participants, 36.7%, 38.5%, and 41.1%, scored lower than the mean in intercultural competence, social intelligence and psychological adjustment, respectively indicating a low level in these domains. The findings also showed that social intelligence, Big Five personality traits and psychological adjustment together explained 81% of the variation in university students' intercultural competence. When controlling for other variables, psychological adjustment emerged as the strongest predictor of intercultural competence, followed by social intelligence, agreeableness, and openness among personality traits. Standard multiple linear regression analysis indicated students' class year, linguistic abilities, and parental education levels as significant predictors of overall intercultural competence and its four dimensions. Moreover, there were significant differences in students' intercultural competence due to sex and the types of cultures they experienced prior to enrolling in university. However, no significant mean difference in intercultural competence was found between respondents from intact and non-intact homes. In conclusion, all major variables, except for family structure and neuroticism personality traits, have a statistically significant impact on university students' intercultural competency. The study's results addressed a range of practical and theoretical insights, as well as limitations and recommendations for future research.