Social Psychology

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Psychosocial Determinants of Perceived Well-Being Among Informal Waste Workers at Reppie Landfill Site (Koshe) in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Messay Sintayehu; Tilahun Gidey
Informal waste workers are essential to urban waste management and circular economies in developing countries, yet they face persistent occupational stigma, social exclusion, and hazardous conditions. In Addis Ababa, limited empirical research exists on how these psychosocial factors affect their mental health. This study investigated the psychosocial determinants of perceived well-being among informal waste workers at Reppie Landfill Site (Koshe), focusing on the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of perceived social support. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 314 informal waste workers using adapted versions of the Stigma Consciousness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Macro (Model 5). Stigma had a significant negative direct effect on perceived well-being (B = -.330, p < .001). Self-esteem significantly mediated the stigma-well-being relationship (indirect effect = -.072, 95% CI [-.118, -.029]), indicating that stigma reduces perceived well-being partly by eroding self-esteem. Perceived social support had a significant positive main effect on perceived well-being (B = .257, p < .001) but did not significantly moderate the stigma-well-being relationship (interaction B = .024, p = .697). Qualitative findings revealed chronic stress, internalized shame, institutional discrimination, and the centrality of informal peer networks for emotional support. The findings inform policymakers, municipal actors, and civil society in waste management and social protection. Recommendations include integrating psychosocial services into formalization efforts, implementing dignity-centered training, launching stigma-reduction campaigns, and strengthening peer support networks. The study contributes empirical evidence on the stigma-well-being nexus among marginalized occupational groups in Ethiopia.
The Role of Social Media Use in Association With Youths’ Political Attitude and Ethnic-Based Narration in Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa.
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Mhreteab Dabi; Habtamu Wondimu
This study examined the relationship between social media use and youths’ political attitudes, as well as ethnic-based narration/discourse, in Addis Ababa (Yeka Subcity). Guided by Political So-cialization Theory and informed by perspectives on the digital public sphere and the political economy of communication, the study tested whether social media functions as a digital environ-ment that shapes political meaning-making and identity-centered narratives among Ethiopian youth. A quantitative correlational design was employed using a structured Likert-scale question-naire administered to 384 youths aged 18–30 selected through simple random sampling with eli-gibility screening for active social media users. Reliability of the measurement scales was con-firmed using Cronbach’s alpha (overall α = .944). Data were analyzed through descriptive statis-tics, Spearman’s correlation, and group comparison tests (independent-samples t-test and one-way ANOVA). The results showed a strong positive association between social media use and political attitude (ρ = 0.863) as well as between social media use and ethnic-based narration (ρ = 0.792). However, gender, age group (18–24 vs. 25–30), and study field (Natural Science vs. Social Science) did not produce statistically significant differences in social media use, political attitude, or ethnic-based narration, while educational level significantly distinguished political attitude (F = 5.333, p = 0.005) but did not significantly differentiate ethnic-based narration (F = 0.984, p = 0.375). In addition, simple linear regression indicated that social media use (Zscore(SocialMedi-aTotal)) explained a substantial proportion of the variance in youths’ outcomes; specifically, for ethnic-based narration the model produced R = .868 and R² = .754 (Adjusted R² = .754), account-ing for about 75.4% of the variability in Z-score (Ethnic-Based Narration Total), and for political attitude it produced R = .800 and R² = .639 (Adjusted R² = .638), accounting for about 63.9% of the variability in Z-score (Political Attitude Total).
The Bystander Effect among High School Students: The Role of Social Norms, Empathy, and Religiosity in Predicting Intervention Behavior
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Milkias Kebede; Mitiku Hambisa
Bystander intervention to School bullying is still a poorly researched phenomenon in the Ethiopian setting where norms, religious obligation and peer influences are evident in the way students respond to victimization. The present study explores predictors of bystander intervention behavior among high school students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In particular, it investigates the roles of social norm, empathy, and religiosity in bystander intervention. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed (QUANTITATIVE + qualitative), combining a scenario-based quasi-experimental survey administered to 381 students with semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 participants. Quantitative data was collected with Scenario Based Bystander Intervention Scale (SBBIS), Social Norm Manipulation Vignettes, Perceived School Social Norms Scale, Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS-5) and analyzed via descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically according to Braun and Clarke (2006).Bivariate correlations and regression analysis indicated that empathy (β =.38, p<.001) and social norms (β =.29, p<.001) exerted significant positive influences on intervention, while religiosity had no significant influence on intervention. The private school students showed higher intentions to intervene than government school students did, which can be explained qualitatively by differences in school culture and teacher support. Six themes emerged from thematic analysis of interview data: moral obligation related to group norms as determined by culture and religion; fear of retaliation and lack of support as the strongest barriers; trusting teacher advice as the greatest enabler; and differences between female 'and male prevention strategies. This study generalized bystander intervention to a secondary school setting in Ethiopia, and offers ideas for school-based interventions that promote empathy and positive peer norms to encourage bystander intervention.
Children's Play Experiences and the Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Behaviors Demonstrated During Play Activities at Gifted Hands Kindergarten
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Netsanet Nigussie; Tadesse Jaleta
Play does not only make a child enjoy the moments with peers, but it has a significant contribution to children’s social, emotional and cognitive development which has a long-lasting impact on their wellbeing. In many educational environments, especially in early childhood education, play is often undervalued or replaced with academically driven instruction. While western-centric research on play is abundant in the Global North context, there is a notable lack of empirical evidence regarding how practices are perceived and their link with developmental outcomes in the Ethiopian/Global South context. Play is not merely a leisure activity but a foundational process through which children learn, adapt, and grow. Investigating its impact provides valuable insights for educators, parents, policymakers, and child development specialists.The study adopted a qualitative observational study to explore how play contributes to children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development in an early childhood education center. Data was collected through non-participant observations during classroom and playground activities over three weeks. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that children frequently demonstrated social interaction, emotional expression, communication, creativity, and problem-solving behaviors while engaged in play activities.
Social Comparison and its Influence on the Academic Achievement and Motivation of High School Students
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Yonas Birhanesilassie; Fantahun Admas
Social comparison, the psychological process by which individuals evaluate their abilities relative to others, is a pervasive feature of academic life. Despite its significance, empirical research scrutinizing its influence on students in Ethiopian high schools remains scarce. This study examined the influence of social comparison on academic achievement and motivation among 220 high school students (Grades 9–11) at BNB High School, Hawassa, during the 2025/2026 academic year. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed. Data were collected using adapted versions of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) and the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), alongside students’ first-semester average grade scores. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations. Descriptive results revealed a moderate overall level of social comparison, with upward comparison (M = 3.42). Gender-based t-tests identified no significant differences in social comparison tendency. Pearson correlation analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between social comparison and average grade scores, suggesting comparison orientation does not directly determine academic performance. This suggests that social comparison functions primarily as a motivational rather than a performance mechanism. It is recommended that educators redirect comparison behaviors toward effort-based, growth-oriented benchmarking.
Determinants of Postpartum Depression in selected Health Facility in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-05-01) Addisalem Belachew; Dame Abera
The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of postpartum depression in selected health facility in Addis Ababa in February 2026. A mixed methods design was used; combining quantitative screening of postpartum depressive symptoms cross sectional study with qualitative exploration of women’s lived experiences thematic analysis. Data was collected from 268 postpartum new mothers within Twelve months following delivery, using validated tools and 6 in-depth interviews. The results were analyzed using inferential statistics and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Transcripts were coded, categories were developed, and themes were generated through an iterative process. Emerging themes were triangulated with quantitative findings to enhance validity. The result shows that 29.7% new mothers have postpartum depression; education, marital status, planned Pregnancy, visits from neighbors and family members, not experiencing domestic violence and not experience stigma from family members were significant predictors of postpartum depression among new mothers. Consistently qualitative result explores Participants described a range of emotional challenges including sadness, stress, sleep disturbance, and, in severe cases, self-harm ideation. These experiences were often linked to first-time motherhood, financial hardship, limited maternity leave, and lack of partner involvement. Postpartum depression should be integrated into maternal and child health services at public health centers, Incorporating digital platforms and social media-based support systems may also offer innovative ways to reach and support postpartum women.
Relationship Between Spiritual Beliefs and Perceptions of Mental Health Stigma: A Case Study of Employees at Pinnacle Business Group, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Hiwot Dereje; Dawit Mekonnen
This study aims to explore the relationship between spiritual beliefs and perceptions of mental health stigma among employees at Pinnacle Business Group, a holding company in Ethiopia, and examined how spiritual interpretations of mental illness influence workplace attitudes toward mental health. A mixed-methods cross-sectional convergent design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Quantitative data were collected from all 30 employees through a structured questionnaire using a census sampling approach, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 10 purposively selected participants using a semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and perspectives. The findings revealed that employees held moderately high levels of spiritual beliefs regarding mental illness and moderate levels of mental health stigma. Correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between spiritual beliefs and mental health stigma (r = 0.52, p < 0.05), suggesting that employees who more strongly endorsed spiritual explanations of mental illness were more likely to express stigmatizing perceptions. The qualitative findings further revealed the existence of a dual belief system in which mental distress was understood through both spiritual and biomedical frameworks, while organizational silence surrounding mental health contributed to the persistence of stigma in the workplace. The study concludes that perceptions of mental health stigma among employees are shaped by the interaction of spiritual beliefs and workplace culture and recommends the development of workplace mental health interventions that recognize employees’ spiritual perspectives while promoting evidence-based mental health awareness, open dialogue, and support mechanisms.
Women’s Empowerment, Gender Role Negotiation, and Marital Stability Among Female Staff of Catholic Relief Services (Crs) Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Mehret Zerihun; Fisseha Teklu
This study examined the relationship between women’s empowerment and marital stability, with special attention to the mediating role of gender role negotiation among married female staff of CRS Ethiopia. The study was carried out using a mixed-method, cross-sectional design. Quantitative data were collected through a survey, while qualitative data were gathered through an online focus group discussion supported by anonymous polls for sensitive questions. Out of 99 survey responses received, 57 respondents met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. In addition, 10 participants took part in the focus group discussion. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, mediation analysis, and relative income comparison. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings showed a moderate level of women’s empowerment, a moderate level of gender role negotiation, and a moderate level of marital stability. Women’s empowerment was positively related to marital stability, but its direct effect became non-significant when gender role negotiation was added to the model. This showed that gender role negotiation fully mediated the relationship between empowerment and marital stability. The study also found that equal-income couples reported higher negotiation and marital stability, while women who earned more than their spouses reported the highest empowerment. The qualitative findings also showed the importance of communication, fairness, role adjustment, and shared understanding in maintaining stable marriages. At the same time, participants mentioned that heavy workload, unequal household responsibilities, and continued traditional expectations are major challenges for effective negotiation. Overall, the findings suggest that women’s empowerment supports marital stability mainly when it is combined with healthy gender role negotiation. Based on this, the study recommends that empowerment programs and workplace support systems give more attention to communication, role adjustment, and practical support. This can help women better manage both work and family responsibilities.
Group Dynamics and their Influence on Decision Making: An Assessment of Selected Community-Based Youth Association in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06) Gabriela Daniel; Tamirie Andualem
Groupthink theory suggests that high group cohesiveness pressures individuals to conform, sacrificing critical thinking to maintain harmony. However, existing literature heavily relies on Western contexts, creating a geographic and structural gap regarding urban African civic environments. This study evaluated the impact of group dynamics specifically communication, group cohesion, leadership, and conformity pressure on collective decision-making among community-based youth associations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted using a sample of 141 youth participants. The model explained a significant proportion of variance in decision-making effectiveness, R2= .663, p < .001. Communication clarity emerged as the strongest predictor (ß = .398, p < .001), indicating that clear understanding and open idea-sharing enhance decision effectiveness. Group cohesion also significantly predicted effective outcomes (ß = .339, p < .001), suggesting that strong unity benefits group choices. Additionally, participative leadership positively contributed to the process (ß = .191, p = .013), fostering shared responsibility. Conversely, conformity pressure lacked a significant relationship with decision-making quality (r = .019, p = .823). These findings challenge classic groupthink paradigms by demonstrating that social identification can foster collective unity in civic youth organizations without sacrificing individual psychological safety. Keywords: group dynamics, decision Making, groupthink, social identity theory
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.

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