Social Psychology

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Community Engagement and Cultural Factors as Determinants of Child Labor Exploitation: The Case of Digeluna Tijo District of East Arsi Zone
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-05) Betelhem Tilahun; Dame Abera
Child labor exploitation remains a significant problem in rural communities where poverty and cultural beliefs shape children’s roles. This study examined how community engagement and cultural factors influence child labor exploitation in Digeluna Tijo District, East Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 357 households selected through simple random sampling, while qualitative data were obtained from key informant interviews and focus group discussions using purposive sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regressions in SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results showed moderate levels of community engagement, cultural influence, and child labor exploitation. Both community engagement (r = .513) and cultural factors (r = .629) had significant positive relationships with child labor exploitation, with cultural factors having a stronger effect. Regression analysis indicated that these variables explained about 61.8% of the variation in child labor, with cultural norms as the strongest predictor. Qualitative findings revealed that traditions, gender roles, and acceptance of child work, combined with poverty, contribute to the persistence of child labor. In conclusion, child labor exploitation in the study area is strongly influenced by cultural norms, and community engagement alone is not sufficient to reduce it. Addressing the problem requires culturally sensitive interventions alongside improvements in economic conditions. Keywords: Child labor exploitation, community engagement, cultural factors
The Psychological Impact of Marital Rape under Legal Silence in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Survivors Assisted by Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06) Bethlehem Lemma; Dawit Mekonnen
This study investigates the psychological impact of marital rape under conditions of legal silence in Ethiopia, using an interpretative phenomenological case study conducted with the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) in Addis Ababa. The study addresses the gap in Ethiopian legal and psychological research by examining how the absence of explicit legal silence of marital rape affects survivors’ psychological wellbeing, sense of justice, safety and help-seeking behavior. The investigation is anchored in the absence of legal recognition of marital rape under Article 620 of the Ethiopian Criminal Code (2004), which restricts survivors' access to justice and protection. The study aims to explore the psychological and social consequences of marital rape specifically examining trauma-related mental health outcomes, how Ethiopia’s legal silence fuels helplessness and emotional suffering, social impacts on relationships and quality of life, doctrinal gaps in legal and psychological protection, and how legal barriers shape survivors’ help-seeking behavior. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews for survivors and expert questionnaires for EWLA professionals. The data were then subjected to thematic analysis. Findings show the existence of severe and multi-faceted psychological harm to the survivors. The participants spoke of an ongoing fear, anxieties, depression and emotional turmoil together with a deep and extensive erosion of dignity, self-esteem and integrity. Elements consistent with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) include flashbacks and intrusions, chronic hyper vigilance and disturbance of sleep, with experiences of complete numbness, self-blame and damaging thoughts leading to despair in critical instances. Secondly, The findings also show that the legal silence exacerbates the psychological injuries by validating survivors' experiences, creating helplessness and reducing the remedies to divorce as opposed to justice. Thirdly, the factors that contributed significantly to survivors' isolation, silence and reduced quality of life are social stigma, community pressure and financial dependence. The study brings forth the existence of an actively injurious legal silence and the need for a greater emphasis on comprehensive support mechanisms, emphasizing the immediate need for a critical re-examination of the criminalization of marital rape within the legal system along with a coordinated approach through integrated legal and psychosocial systems. Keywords: Marital rape, legal silence, psychological trauma, IPA, gender-based violence, PTSD, women's rights, legal reform.
The Role of Cultural Diversity at Bingham Academy: Opportunities for Positive Cross-Cultural Learning and its Challenges on Social Identity formation
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-05) Sara Dejene; Habtamu Wondimu
The research investigated the issue of cultural diversity in Bingham Academy, highlighting the prospects for positive cross-cultural learning and the problems associated with the process of social identity formation among the students. The research was based on three main goals, which were as follows: (1) the analysis of cultural diversity and the contribution of cultural diversity in the process of cross-cultural learning of students; (2) the identification of problems in the process of social identity formation among students; and (3) the determination of approaches for the creation of an inclusive educational environment. The research was conducted using mixed method research design and collected from 150 respondents as well as analyzed the collected data using SPSS software version 26. The findings on cross-cultural learning showed that students normally gain from the multicultural setting especially in relation to gaining new perspectives, cooperative learning, and cultural interaction. Nonetheless, based on descriptive statistics, there were differences in confidence levels and benefits gained from diversity, showing that students may differ in their experience of diversity. The KII findings also revealed that cultural interactions through classroom activities, friendships, and events at the school promote intercultural empathy and openness. On social identity development, it was found that the majority of the students have experienced a sense of belonging and inclusivity in the school community. Some students, however, had challenges including identity confusion, peer pressure, language barriers, and sometimes stereotyping and discrimination. The research highlighted important measures that can be used in improving inclusion, such as conducting group activities, culturally responsive teaching, and teacher training on cultural sensitivity. The students stressed the need for respectful communication and increased presence of different cultures within school activities. In summary, the research suggests that there are good chances for cross-cultural education and development of identity due to the presence of cultural diversity at Bingham Academy. Keywords: Bingham Academy, cross-cultural learning, cultural diversity; inclusive education; sense of belonging; social identity formation
Oromo Gadaa Values in Cultivating Indigenous Leadership Development and Conflict Resolution: The case of Karrayu Oromo Community of Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Metasebiya Bogale; Dame Abera
Most African countries including Ethiopia remained in crises, social instability and conflict due to negligence and failure to develop, preserve, and scale up indigenous leadership. The study aimed to explore the nurturing of Karrayu Oromo Gadaa values in indigenous leadership development and conflict resolution. The study Guided by sociocultural development and Ubuntu theoretical perspectives, ethnographic research design was employed to explore socially constructed realities from participants‟ perspective in their natural settings. A total of 40 individuals (Five key informant interview (KII), five In-Depth interview (IDI) and 5 Focus group discussions (FGD) participants including counselors, elders, leaders and clan representatives, Abbaa Gadaa, individuals from different age groups found at different Gadaa grades, and women sharing common values and cultures were recruited using maximum variation and snowball sampling techniques and took part in the study. Participant observation, key informant interview guides, in-depth interview guides, and focus group interview guidelines were key data gathering tools used in the study. The study found that all clans of Karrayu community have equal representation in the five parties of the Gadaa system and power transfer recycles among these parties every eight years. There are power checkers and implementers in the Karrayu Gadaa system to regulate, control and evaluate leaders‟ activities. Moral, egalitarian, harmonious, peace, unity, and humaneness values are embedded in leadership development process of the Karrayu Gadaa system and served to resolve social, economic and political problems and play key role in indigenous leadership development and conflict resolution. Prospective leaders of Karrayu Gadaa system are identified and nominated by neighbors, families, elders, clan and councilors beginning from child hood using quality of good leaders‟ criteria such as respect to the community, knowledge of the norm, law, moral, culture and values of the community, reconciliation ability and honest; ability to lead people, ready to pay sacrifice and, trustworthiness and listening to parents and elders‟ advices. Thus, the Karrayu Gadaa values could be a model for indigenous leadership development practices in Ethiopia and Africa. Conserving, strengthening and scaling up such indigenous leadership development practices will solve the current mounting ethnic conflicts and wars that are fueling political, social and economic instabilities throughout Ethiopia.
Perceived Stress and Coping Styles among Healthcare Workers during the time of COVID-19, Arerti Town, North Shoa Zone
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-09) Resom Tsegaye; Assefa Berihun
Coronavirus disease-2019 has been a global concern for the past one and half year and still is expected to continue for the coming years. Health professionals, while compared with the general public are influenced by it and have a higher risk of acquiring the disease. It has been witnessed that there were interventions tried by stakeholders to alleviate its consequence on health professionals but the most important one is to understand how individuals are coping with the stress and working to improve coping outcome. So, the aim of this study is to assess the level of perceived stress and coping styles used to overcome the stress among health workers during COVID-19 in Arerti town health facilities. The study used cross-sectional survey design. Questionnaire was collected from all 216 health workers who were at their work during data collection time by using a Brief COPE and Perceived Stress scale-10. Analysis of the data includes descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. The result showed that that the mean age was 28.6 ± 5.09 SD, of them 102 (47.2%) are females. The prevalence of perceived stress related to COVID-19 among health workers was 45.8% while the widely used coping styles were religious coping and acceptance. Regression analysis showed factors such as gender, work experience, humor, venting, behavioral disengagement and self-blame were having association with perceived stress. Based on this result the researcher can conclude that being female and having longer years of work experience will make individuals more likely develop higher level of stress. In addition to that, inclination to use more of humor, venting, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame coping will likely make one experience high level of stress among health workers in Arerti town health facilities. Key words: COVID-19, Health workers, coping Styles, Perceived Stress
Parental Involvement, Classroom Environment, and Academic Performance: The Case of Selected Private and Government Secondary Schools in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-11) Ribka Deirbe; Mitiku Hambisa
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was adopted for the study to explore the relationship between classroom environment, parental involvement, and academic performance of Grade 11 students in private and government schools in Addis Ketema sub-city. Using stratified random sampling, 214 students were selected: 107 from government schools and 107 from private schools. Quantitative data from questionnaires and academic records were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation, multiple regression, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed thematically. Findings presented a complex disparity. Quantitatively, private school students reported significantly higher levels in resource-sensitive dimensions: parental monitoring, expectations, and academic support, and teacher support and student involvement. Relational aspects, however, such as parental emotional support, autonomy support, and peer cohesion, did not present significant difference by school type. The thematic analysis of these patterns made sense, revealing qualitative contrasts in the nature of these experiences: private school students described "High Achievement Pressure" and "Resource-Based Support," whereas government school students reported "Practical Achievement Pressure" and "Encouragement-Oriented Support." Academic performance correlated moderately with both parental involvement (r = 0.398, p = 0.019) and classroom environment (r = 0.498, p = 0.002). Regression analysis, however, showed that together they account for only 21.6% of the variance in academic performance, with a slight lead of classroom environment (β = 0.30) as compared to the contribution of parental involvement (β = 0.26) as a predictor. It follows then that a great proportion of other factors exert influence. The study concludes that school type creates structural advantages in resource-dependent areas but that the core relational elements of a supportive educational setting can be cultivated within both systems. It offers recommendations for putting emphasis on quality teacher-student relationships and autonomy-supportive parenting practices irrespective of school contexts. Keywords: Academic Performance; Parental Involvement; Classroom Environment; School Type; Socioeconomic Status; Mixed-Methods Research
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
Impact of Organizational Culture and Leadership Style on Quality of Work Life of Employes: In Case of Information Network Security Agency Employees
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-09) Surafel Alemu; Dawit Mekonen
A high quality of work life is essential for organizations to continue to attract and retain employees, and literatures suggests that organizational culture and leadership style play a great role in building employees’ quality of work life. This study investigated how organizational culture and leadership styles affect employees’ quality of work life. The Sample has been selected based on a stratified random sampling method (n=298). The study used Wallach’s Organizational Culture Index (OCI), Podsakoffetal.’s Transformational Leadership Behavior Inventory (TLI) and Walton quality of work life questionnaire. Findings of the research show that; Innovative organizational culture is most dominant and Transformational leadership style is more dominant than transactional leadership style. Organizational culture and leadership styles have stronger correlation with quality of work life and also had a great impact. Key words: Organizational Culture, Leadership styles, Quality of work life, Bureaucratic, Innovative, Supportive, Transformational and Transactional.
Psychosocial Challenges and Coping Mechanism among Women Experiencing Obstetric Fistula. The case of Addis Ababa Hamlin Fistula Hospital
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-08) Tekilil Yirgalem; Dame Abera
The main objective of the study was to explore psychosocial challenges and coping mechanism of women experiencing obstetric fistula. Psychosocial challenges and coping mechanism are common in women with obstetric fistula. However, data on psychosocial issues affecting patients with obstetric fistula in Ethiopia are scarce. The study employed a qualitative research approach to answer the questions and achieve the research objectives. The researcher utilized purposive sampling method total 19 participants (15 patients and 4 key informants) were selected to take part in the study. The study area was selected purposively at Addis Ababa Hamline Fistula Hospital. Data was obtained through in-depth interview, key informant interview, and focus group discussion(FGD). Data found from different source was collected and triangulated to assess the trustworthiness of the information and thematic analysis was done. The finding indicates, obstetric fistula had detrimentally affected their health and well being , having psychological challenges like anxiety, fear, depression, worry, stress, stigma, anger, suicide attempt, hopelessness and loneliness. The finding also found different social challenges like social interaction, stigma, discrimination and marital relationship 14 participants are divorced and 1separated. Women coped with obstetric fistula by maintaining strict hygiene, drinking less, ignoring the sickness, self stigma and fistula advocacy to other.
A Psycho Social Impact of Pretrial Publicity on Court Decision Making in the Case of Bole Sub City.
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Hanna Yibrah; Dawit Mekonnen
This study examines the influence of pretrial publicity (PTP) on legal decision making among lawyers such as judges, prosecutors, criminal investigators as well as senior law students in Ethiopia. I interviewed 200 people with a formal questionnaire to learn about how what we heard from media news— fact-neutral, fact-negative, and sensational reports—impact on Lawyers judgments of crime and criminal justice, the emotions they feel, what they remember, and how confident they are. Studies showed people are more likely to make a decision on a guilty verdict and then feel more confident when compared to when they’ve heard either no news, or positive news. Fear was found to be the most powerful emotion for driving sense of guilt beyond reasonable doubt and shock made people surer of their decisions. It's absolutely mind-boggling how even people with legal training can be manipulated by the emotion kremlin in the media. These findings indicate that, with enhanced judiciary educations, ethically responsible media policy and media literacy for Ethiopia, a fair trial will be had. Tags: Pretrial publicity, legal professionals, emotional bias, media framing, legal judgment. Keywords: Pretrial publicity, legal professionals, emotional bias, media framing, legal judgment
School Age Children’s Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials and Parental Awareness. A Qualitative Study Done in Nifas Silk Lafto Sub City Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Hawlet Shemsu; Teka Zewdie
The aim of this study was to asses the possibility of school age children’s exposure to sexually explicit materials and also to asses parental awareness on the subject in nifas silk lafto sub city Addis Ababa. The study followed a qualitative research approach specifically the study employed a face to face interview for eight parents and eight children. The participants were obtained through snowball sampling and the data was analysed by using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings of the study show that there is a discrepancy between children’s and parent’s reality. This study can contribute in equipping parents with the necessary awareness to protect their children from early exposure to sexually explicit materials. Key words : School Age children, Sexually Explicit Material, Parental Awareness.
Empathy in the Classroom: Social Psychological Insights into Teachers’ Support for Students Facing Social Challenges in Selected Primary Schools in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025) Gelila Tesfaye; Habtamu Wondimu
This study examines how primary government school teachers in Addis Ababa use empathy to help students who face social challenges. Many children who move to the city face difficulties like neglect, abuse, and heavy housework, affecting their learning. The main aim of the research is to address the situation in educator’s understanding of their students and being empathetic in the classroom. Information was gathered from the students and teachers through interviews, group discussion, and empathy scale to conduct the study. The research was conducted in two government primary schools in Addis Ababa, Kirkos Sub-City: Meserete Ethiopia and Worha Yekatit Pre-Primary, Primary and Middle Schools. The collected data show that students’ difficulties and burdens lead them to tardiness, absenteeism and emotional distress. As the research indicates these children get material and emotional supports from female teachers but lack of counseling services lead them to be not effective at school and they made it clear that they need teachers’ support and understanding. Finally, the study concludes explaining how teachers’ empathy is important for students holistic development and for this intervention is recommended of teachers’ awareness of the students’ background capacity. Finally, students excel if the school prepares a place where children share their problems such as Guidance & Counseling program.
Correlates of Ethiopian University Students‟ Political Attitude: The role of Social Media Use, Family Interaction, and Big Five Personality Traits
(Addis Ababa University, 2021) Gemechu Deresa; Mitiku Hambisa
The political attitude of university students‟ was not adequately investigated in the Ethiopian context. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of family interaction, social media usage, and big five personality traits on university students‟ political attitude. Data were collected from 534 randomly selected students from Addis Ababa University, Jimma University and Mizan Tepi University through questionnaire. In addition to quantitative data, focus group discussions were held in two places: Jimma University and Mizan Tepi University main campuses. The reliability and validity of the instruments were found to be acceptable. The factor analysis run for validation of instruments also revealed that majority of the items were valid and usable for the constructs they intended to measure. Measure of relationship, structural equation modeling (SEM) and MANOVA were employed in analyzing quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic deductive analysis where themes were identified from reflections of the participants‟ on FGDs. Result revealed that 44% of the variance in political attitude of university students was explained by family interaction, social media use and personality traits jointly. Family interaction alone contributed about 26% followed by social media usage that contributed 23% of the variance in political attitude. Big five traits contributed only 8% of the variance in political attitude. When other variables are controlled, openness trait was found to be the highest predictor of political attitude from big five personality traits. There were statistically significant differences between respondents who have party affiliation and those who do not have with respect to family member interactions (F (1,332) = 8.822, P<.05) and political attitude (F(1, 532)=7.891, P<0.01). Respondents who have party affiliation reported better family member interactions and stronger political attitude. However there was no significant mean difference between male and female respondents with regard to perceived family interactions and social media usage. Key words: family interactions, big five traits, social media usage, political attitude
The Perceived Influence of Social Media on the Development of Ethnic Prejudice among Staff of Women’s, Children and Social Affairs Bureau, Addis Ababa City Administration.
(Addis Ababa University, 2025) Andualem Taffese; Darge Wole
The study investigated the influence of social media on ethnic prejudice among 170 respondents who are employees of the Bureau of Women, Children, and Social Affairs in Addis Ababa City Administration. Instruments used to collect data were questionnaire and interview. Lickert-Scale was also used to collect data. Descriptive, correlation, chi-square and independent t-test were applied methods to analyze the data. The main findings indicated that participants predominantly utilized Facebook, Tik-Tok and You-Tube social media platforms. These social media platforms significantly influenced attitudes and play key roles in promoting or aggravating ethnic-based prejudice. There is significant gender and age difference in the development of ethnic prejudice and also the time spent on social media, frequency and form of message had a notable influence. Hate speech and discriminatory messages posted in different formats on social media platforms fuelled animosity and spread biased information, influencing perceptions of ethnic discrimination. No significant difference was found between the influence of message posted by government officials, activists and ordinary citizens. Overall, social media usage influences the creation and aggravation of ethnic-based prejudice. The implication of the results for practice and research are indicated. Key words: Prejudice, Social media, ethnic prejudice, Influence of Social media
The Psychosocial Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Parents of Children with Epilepsy: The Case of Adama City
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Behailu Mulugeta; Sewalem Tsega.
Epilepsy is a serious health condition that affects not only children but also their families, especially their parents, who serve as primary caregivers. While much attention has been given to treating epilepsy in children, the challenges faced by their parents are often overlooked. This study aims to explore the psychosocial challenges and coping mechanisms of parents of children with epilepsy in Adama City. It focuses on parents of children with epilepsy who are members of the Adama City Association of People with Disabilities. A qualitative research design was used to better understand the experiences of these parents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions from 14 parents (11 mothers and 3 fathers. These parents were selected from 24 (Male 29 and Female 13) members of the parents of children with epilepsy in the association. The findings were thematically analyzed into three main themes: (i) psychological challenges, (ii) social challenges, and (iii) coping mechanisms. The findings show that parents face significant psychological challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and self-blame. Social challenges include stigma, discrimination, lack of support, financial hardship, and limited access to healthcare and counseling services. Cultural beliefs that associate epilepsy with spiritual causes or punishment for sin worsen these challenges. Despite these difficulties, parents use various coping mechanisms. These include relying on faith and spirituality, seeking help from local organizations, educating themselves about epilepsy, and drawing strength from personal resilience and commitment to their children. However, the study also revealed a lack of professional support, particularly in areas such as medical care, nutrition, and behavioral management. The study recommends that healthcare services and psychosocial support programs for families of children with epilepsy should be improved. Raising awareness in the community is also essential to reduce stigma and promote understanding. Keywords: Epilepsy, Psychosocial Challenges, Coping Mechanisms, Stigma, Parents
Psychological Correlates of Behavioural Intentions of Young Adults towards Non Communicable Diseases in Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025-06) Shumye Molla
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant threat in Ethiopia and globally, largely influenced by psychological factors affecting preventive behaviors. This study investigated the relationships between knowledge of NCDs, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, personal risk perception, and behavioral intentions to prevent NCDs among young Ethiopian adults. Using a quantitative approach with data from 420 university students, the study found that knowledge, perceived severity, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy significantly predict behavioral intentions, accounting for 73% of the variance. However, perceived vulnerability did not significantly contribute. Gender, age, and academic year moderated some relationships. The findings emphasize the importance of boosting knowledge and self efficacy in NCD prevention programs, while also considering gender and age in interventions
Digital Altruism and Social Intelligence Relationship among youth: Case of Addis Ababa University
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Betelhem Tesfaye; Dawit Mekonnen
students through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics used to analyse demographic variables, while Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were employed to examine the analytical power of each component of social intelligence on digital altruism. The findings reveal that social skills and social awareness are significant positive predictors of digital altruism, supporting the first two hypotheses. However, social information processing did not show statistically significant relationship with digital altruism, suggesting its influence may be mediated by other psychological or contextual variables. The study also found that most participants were between in their 20 - 22 years old, female students are more likely than male students to engage in digital altruism, and students in later years of university exhibit higher levels of digital altruism than those in earlier years. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube primarily for entertainment and educational purposes use. These results contribute to the understanding of how different aspects of social intelligence shape prosocial behaviours in digital contexts. It highlights the importance of nurturing social emotional competencies in youth as a way of promoting ethical and empathetic digital engagement. The study concludes with recommendations for educators, policymakers, and digital platform developers to integrate social intelligence training into university curricula and digital literacy programs
The Impact of Psychological Safety on Employees’ Motivation and Engagement: The Case of Catholic Relief Services Ethiopia Head Office
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Geta Kassa; Abebaw M.,
This study investigates the impact of psychological safety on employee motivation and engagement at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Ethiopia Head Office. The research was guided by four key objectives: to assess current levels of psychological safety, motivation, and engagement; to identify organizational strategies that enhance these outcomes; to explore the factors contributing to psychological safety; and to examine the relationship between psychological safety and employee motivation and engagement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from 121 employees with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with 15 departmental leads. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The results revealed that psychological safety significantly predicts both employee motivation and engagement, explaining approximately 36.7% and 39.6% of the variance, respectively. Employees reported feeling secure in expressing their ideas and concerns, which enhanced their motivation and commitment to organizational goals. Qualitative findings emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, open communication, and structured feedback mechanisms in fostering a psychologically safe work environment. Based on these findings, the study recommends that CRS Ethiopia strengthen leadership training, implement structured feedback systems, address compensation disparities, and promote a culture of recognition and support. These strategies are essential for sustaining employee motivation and engagement, particularly within the high-pressure context of humanitarian work. Key Terms: Psychological Safety, Employee Motivation, and Employee Engagement
The Influence of Parental Practice and Parental Value on Children ProSocial Behavior In Case of Yaka Sub city, Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-07-01) Berehane Wondimu; Tamirat Mulugeta
This study investigated the influence of parental values and parenting practices on the prosocial behavior of elementary school children in Yeka Sub-City, Addis Ababa. Prosocial behavior, which includes actions such as helping, sharing, cooperating, and emotional regulation, plays a vital role in children’s social development and successful peer interactions. The study was guided by Baumrind’s Parenting Styles Theory and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory as key frameworks for understanding how parenting influences social outcomes in children. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 378 parents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.The findings revealed that parenting practices characterized by warmth, responsiveness, consistency, and open communication significantly contributed to the development of prosocial behavior in children. Similarly, parental values emphasizing empathy, honesty, kindness, and responsibility were found to be strong predictors of prosocial tendencies in children. The study further indicated that children who received emotional support from their parents demonstrated better peer relationships, emotional control, and cooperative behavior. Importantly, the results emphasized that the alignment between parental values and practices led to the most positive social outcomes.The study concludes that both what parents believe and how they behave are essential in nurturing prosocial characteristics in children. It recommends that parenting programs, school-based interventions, and community services be strengthened to help parents adopt value-driven and supportive parenting strategies. These efforts can play a critical role in promoting social competence, emotional well-being, and moral development among young children in urban settings. Keywords: parental values, parenting practices, prosocial behavior, emotional regulation, cooperation, Yeka Sub-City, Ethiopia
Premarital Expectation, Religiosity and Marital Satisfaction among People in Arada Sub City Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Nimona Tesfaye; Abera Tibebu.
This study aimed to examine the relationships among premarital expectations, religiosity, and post-marital satisfaction among individuals with marital experience in Arada Sub-City, Addis Ababa. Specifically, it sought to determine whether premarital expectations and religiosity predict marital satisfaction and to explore how socio-demographic factors influence these variables. A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed, collecting data from 300 participants, including married, divorced, separated, and widowed individuals. Standardized instruments the Marital Attitude Scale, Dimensions of Religiosity Scale, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used to measure premarital expectations, religiosity, and marital satisfaction, respectively. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression and ANOVA to assess predictive relationships and group differences. The findings indicated that both premarital expectations and religiosity significantly predicted post-marital satisfaction, explaining 58.5% of the variance. Religiosity was positively correlated with premarital expectations and marital satisfaction. Additionally, socio-demographic factors such as gender, income, and religious participation significantly influenced these relationships. These results highlight the critical role of aligning premarital expectations and incorporating religious and cultural values to enhance marital satisfaction in urban Ethiopian settings. The study concludes with recommendations for culturally sensitive marital education and counselling programs tailored to diverse socio-demographic groups. Key Terms: Premarital Expectation, Religiosity, Marital Expectation

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