Social Psychology
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Item 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. (PhD)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, ParentsItem Psychological Correlates of Behavioural Intentions of Young Adults towards Non Communicable Diseases in Ethiopia(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025-06) Shumye MollaNon-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.Item Digital Altruism and Social Intelligence Relationship among youth: Case of Addis Ababa University(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Betelhem Tesfaye; Dawit Mekonnen (PhD)This study investigates the relationship between digital altruism and components of social intelligence that are social skills, social awareness, and social information processing among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University. Grounded in the growing intersection between prosocial behaviour and digital interaction, the study utilized a quantitative approach, collecting data from 115 undergraduate social work 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 programsItem 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., (PhD)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 EngagementItem 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 (PhD)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, EthiopiaItem Premarital Expectation, Religiosity and Marital Satisfaction among People in Arada Sub City Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Nimona Tesfaye; Abera Tibebu. (PhD)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 ExpectationItem Values and Beliefs of Society about People with Disability and Their Socio - Economic Activities in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Yordanos Werotaw; Dawit Mekonen (PhD)This research seeks to know what society believes and values about people with disabilities and their lives. The basic questions were what are the beliefs and values of PWOD? What are the beliefs of PWOD? What are the barriers and the facilitators of the socioeconomic activities of PWDs? The method that this research used is a qualitative method and the approach was exploratory. It is analyzed by using thematic analysis. The research found that there are positive and negative beliefs in the society. The values that it studies exist but are not practical. It was verified through the interviews. The positive beliefs that it found capabilities in education, social life, societal contribution, and wealth accumulation. The negative beliefs are the way society sees and treats people with disabilities with sympathy and marital issues in inter-ability marriages. Society believes that people with disability have less possibility to marry a person without disability. The four values that this study wanted to investigate were the value of dignity, the value of compassion, the value of justice, and the value of humility. It was found that these values were impractical but theoretically exist in people's minds. That was found in the interview answers. However, compassion exists in a more practical way than the other values. But it is not real compassion and it comes from sympathy for people with disabilities. Nevertheless, there are people with disabilities who are successful in every aspect of lifeItem The Relationship between Work Environment, Motivation and Job Performance: The Case of Frontline Employees in Selected Banks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025-06) Blen Getachew; Mitiku Hambisa (PhD)This study investigates the relationship between work environment, employee motivation, and job performance among frontline employees in selected banks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The research addresses a growing need to understand how psychosocial work conditions and motivations affect employee performance in their job in the banking sector. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, beginning with a quantitative phase involving 360 employees who completed validated scales measuring Work Environment, Motivation, and Job Performance. This was Complemented by qualitative interviews with 15 participants to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship among the study variables. Quantitative results showed significant positive correlations among all three variables, with multiple regression indicating that both work environment and motivation independently and jointly predicted job performance. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that supportive leadership, recognition, and collegial relationships significantly influence employee motivation and performance. Additionally, demographic variables such as sex, age, and work experience were found to moderate these relationships jointly. These findings highlight the importance of contextual and relational factors in shaping employee outcomes in Ethiopia’s banking sector.Item The Influence of Social Media on Behavioral Decision Making Among Young Adults in Yeka Sub City.(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025-05) Abiy Tekle; Dawit (PhD)The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social media on behavioral decision- making among young adults in Yeka Sub City, focusing on four key factors: Social Media Usage (SMU), Peer Pressure (PP), Demographic Factors (DF), and Psychological Factors (PSYF). in order to achieve the purpose of the study explanatory quantitative research design was used data were collected through questionnaire adapted from behavioral decision making model. A sample size of 295 respondents was surveyed to gather relevant data. The analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25, Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 25, utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and ANOVA to explore the relationships among variables. The findings revealed that Social Media Usage (SMU) had a strong and statistically significant positive correlation with Behavioral Decision Making (BDM) (r = 0.836, p < 0.01). Additionally, Peer Pressure (PP) showed a moderate but significant correlation with BDM (r = 0.536, p < 0.01), while Demographic Factors (DF) and Psychological Factors (PSYF) also demonstrated significant positive relationships (r = 0.567 and r = 0.499, respectively, p < 0.01). The model summary showed that the regression model explained a substantial portion of the variance in decision-making behavior (R² = 0.703), and the ANOVA result (F = 171.861, p < 0.000) confirmed that the model was statistically significant. These findings indicate that social media usage is a dominant predictor of behavioral decision- making among young adults, while peer pressure, demographic, and psychological factors also contribute meaningfully. Based on these findings, it is recommended that educational institutions and community organizations develop programs to promote responsible social media usage and address the impacts of peer pressure. Furthermore, tailored interventions should consider demographic diversity and prioritize psychological well-being to empower young adults in making informed decisions. This study contributes to the understanding of how social media influences decision-making behaviors in young adults and offers insights for future interventions aimed at fostering positive outcomes within this demographic.Item 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 (Associate Professor)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.Item Platforms Used, Purpose of Use and Effects of Social Media Engagement on Adolescent Self-Esteem in Selected High Schools of Lemi Kura Sub-City,(Addis Ababa, Ethiopi, 2025-05) Tsion Tsegaye; Habtamu Wondimu (Professor)This study examined the platforms used and purposes of social media usage, as well as the effects of social media engagement on adolescents’ self-esteem in Lami Kura sub-city, Addis Ababa. A convergent parallel mixed-method design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected through standardized self administered questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across public and private schools, with 379 students who had smartphone access randomly selected to complete the survey. Purposive sampling was used to select five key informant teachers to provide nuanced insights into students’ social media engagement. Quantitative measures included the Social Media Engagement Scale for Adolescents (SMES-A) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results indicated that YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram were the most accessed platforms. Adolescents used social media for academic, social, and recreational purposes. A significant negative correlation was found between social media engagement, particularly the affective and language dimensions, and self-esteem. Teachers expressed concerns about emotional dependency and reduced academic focus linked to social media use. The findings highlight the need for digital literacy programs, context-sensitive interventions, and parental guidance to promote healthier digital habits. The study recommends collaboration among schools, families, and policymakers to encourage balanced social media use that supports adolescents’ psychosocial well-being and academic success.Item Family Functioning and Adolescents’ Self-regulation Competencies in Illu Abba Bor Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025-06) Wakgari Megersa; Daniel Tefera (Associate Professor)This study aimed at investigating the relationships between patterns of family functioning and adolescents’ self-regulations competencies in Illu Aba Bor Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. It employed a quantitative approach with a specific design known to be correlational. Based on stratified random sampling, questionnaires were administered to a sample of 400 high school adolescents in four districts of the zone. Descriptive statistics, MANOVA with follow-up univariate ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear, multiple and stepwise regression were computed using SPSS. Mediation analyses were also performed using JASP 0.18.1.0. The finding shows statistically significant variations in family cohesion, flexibility, communication, and interaction (p < 0.01) across family structure. Also, cohesion, flexibility, communication, and interaction were all significantly differ across family sizes (p<0.01). However, mixed results were observed with respect to economic status in that it resulted in variations in some patterns of family functioning whereas not in the case of others. The study found that family functioning patterns significantly correlated with adolescent self-regulation, with self-regulation's relationship with family communication being more significant than with other aspects. However, through stepwise regression two models were developed to determine the best predictors whereby coefficients for family communication (β=0.884, p<0.01) was significant; and coefficients for family communication (β =0.864, p<0.01) and adaptability (β =0.068, p<0.05) were significant and best factors for self regulations. The model overall also significantly predicted self-regulation (F (4,395) =364.82, P<0.01); hence, communication, adaptability, cohesion and interactions have substantial relations to self regulation. Moreover, the mediation analysis showed that while family structure had mediating roles in the relationships between family functioning and self-regulation, family size and economic status didn’t. Overall, patterns of family functioning significantly influence adolescent self-regulation, with well-functioning families promoting it and dysfunctional ones weakening it. Therefore, supporting families to maintain healthy functioning is crucial for promoting the development of self-regulation, leaving big implications for family intervention practices for adolescents' ultimate benefit.Item Level of Emotional Intelligence and Achievement Motivation among Students of Two Selected High schools, Gulele Sub-City, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Ayesha Selman; Mulat Asnake (PhD)This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence and achievement motivation among students of two selected high schools in gulele sub city, Addis Ababa. The research aimed to assess emotional intelligence and achievement motivation levels, examine their correlation, and compare them across gender, grade level, and family income. A survey research design was employed to collect data from 365 grade 9 and 10 students from two high schools in Gulele sub city, Addis Ababa, using stratified sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data on emotional intelligence (Assessing Emotions Scale) and achievement motivation (Achievement Motives Scale). The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Overall, students demonstrated high emotional intelligence levels (mean score = 122.06) and a moderate level of achievement motivation (68.8% scored in the moderate range). Moreover, a significant positive correlation (r = .347, p < .001)was identified between emotional intelligence and achievement motivation, suggesting that higher emotional intelligence is associated with greater achievement motivation. Furthermore, Family income significantly influenced emotional intelligence levels. While no significant differences were found between genders or grade levels.Regarding achievement motivation levels of students, females demonstrated slightly higher achievement motivation scores. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional intelligence development in educational settings. Schools can integrate emotional intelligence into the curriculum, create supportive learning environments, and provide teacher training to equip students with essential skills for achievement. Future research is needed to examine the long-term implications of emotional intelligence and determine effective approaches for its development in Ethiopian schools. likewise, Parents can foster emotional intelligence in their children by modeling emotional regulation, empathy, and effective communication, setting realistic expectations, and encouraging a growth mindset.Item Refugee Communities’ Intentional Mental Health Service Help Seeking at Bambasi Refugee Camp in Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Bezanesh Esubalew; AbebaW M. (PhD)The primary objective of this study is to analyze the intentional help-seeking behaviors for mental health services among refugee communities at the Bambasi Refugee Camp in the Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia. The research employs a Descriptive research design with mixed-research approach, incorporating interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and observational techniques to gather comprehensive data from 325 respondents, who are members of the refugee community residing in the camp. The study involved in-depth interviews and FGDs to explore the attitudes and perceptions of refugees regarding mental health services. Observational methods were also utilized to contextualize the findings within the camp environment. Data collected from these sources revealed significant insights into the comfort levels of refugees when discussing mental health issues with healthcare providers, their awareness of available services, and the impact of stigma and cultural beliefs on their help-seeking behaviors. The conclusion highlight the necessity of fostering an environment where refugees feel comfortable addressing mental health concerns, as well as the importance of overcoming language barriers and addressing stigma. Recommendations for enhancing mental health service delivery in the camp include raising awareness about available services, providing cultural competence training for healthcare providers, integrating mental health services into existing community programs, and actively involving community leaders in the planning process. By addressing these barriers and understanding cultural influences, the study underscores the potential for improved mental well-being among refugees in the Bambasi Refugee Camp. Keywords: Refugee communities, intentional mental health service, help-seeking behaviors, Bambasi refugee camp, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, EthiopiaItem Exploring the Psychosocial Impacts of Behavioral Addiction: A Study on Football Betting in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Eden Alebachew; Sewalem Tsega (PhD)The purpose of this research is to examine the psychosocial impacts of football betting within Addis Ababa, focusing on its psychological, social, and economic effects. Behavioral addiction to football betting is an emerging concern, paralleling substance dependencies with significant implications for mental health, societal relations, and personal well-being. This study addresses a critical gap, investigating these impacts through a qualitative approach, employing in-depth interviews and surveys. Data was collected from 72 participants, with 69 valid responses, providing a significanct understanding of how football betting influences individual and community dynamics. The analysis reveals profound psychological effects including addiction, anxiety, and mood disturbances, while social impacts manifest as strained relationships and increased isolation. Economically, bettors face instability, debt, and significant financial distress, impacting familial resources. Moreover, workplace productivity suffers due to gambling-related distractions. Key findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive interventions. Recommendations include implementing mental health programs focusing on cognitive-behavioral strategies, enhancing community support networks, developing financial literacy initiatives, and promoting workplace policies that address gambling's impact on productivity. Future research should explore the role of digital platforms in gambling behaviors and investigate culturally tailored strategies to address these challenges, encompassing diverse demographic and geographic contexts. Key words: Football betting, psychosocial impacts, addiction, community engagement, financial educatItem Parents’ Attitude Towards Mobile Game Usage, Addiction and Its Impact on the Psychosocial Behavior of Children: The Case of Flipper International School(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Tsion Zeru; Abera Tibebu (PhD)This descriptive study examined parents' attitudes toward the negative impact of mobile game addiction on the psycho social behavior of children aged 6 to 12 years at Flipper International School. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrated quantitative data from 164 parents, selected through simple random sampling, with qualitative insights from interviews with 11 parents. The study found that a substantial portion of parents (48.7%) reported their children played mobile games daily or multiple times a day, with 43.3% engaging in sessions lasting more than one hour and thirty minutes. Significant emotional responses were noted, as 55.5% of children became upset when asked to stop playing. Persistent gaming desires were evident, with 82% of children frequently expressing a desire to play, and 57.9% of parents observed behavioral or mood changes post-gaming. High levels of mobile gaming interfered with daily activities for 58.6% of children, and more than 60% of parents reported their children lying about their gaming time. The study‟s findings, including a high mean score for gaming-related thoughts and behaviors, indicated a notable prevalence of mobile game addiction, with no respondents falling into the low addiction category. The results underscored the need for balanced management strategies, emphasizing parental involvement and structured gaming habits to mitigate the potential negative effects of mobile gaming on children's psychosomatic development.Item The Impact of Parents' Socioeconomic Status, Parents’ Attitude towards education, and Parenting Style on Sixth-Grade Students' Academic Performance in Ministry Exams in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2024-09) Yosef Daniel; Tamirie Andualem (PhD)The main aim of the study was to examine the influence of parental characteristics, specifically parenting style, parents attitude toward education, and socioeconomic status (SES), on students' academic achievement. The research adopted a quantitative research approach. In this research connivence sampling technique was implemented to identify the 4 schools from which 275 participants were selected from. The stratified sampling technique was used to determine samples from the target population. The validity and reliability of the instruments was ensured through pretesting and triangulations. SPSS v27 was used to analyze data, both descriptive and thematic analysis were used. Pearson's correlation and linear regression techniques were employed to assess the effects of parental characteristics on academic performance. The findings indicate that parenting style (p = 0.00) and parents' attitude towards education (β = 2.57, p = 0.00) significantly impact students' academic performance. Moreover, parental level of education, and income, but not parents' occupation, were also found to significantly affect students' academic performance. Specifically, authoritative parenting approaches, positive attitudes toward learning, higher parental educational attainment, and increased household income positively shape students' educational experiences. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting authoritative parenting practices, fostering positive parental attitudes toward education, and addressing socioeconomic disparities in education could be effective in improving students' academic outcomes. Recommendations include the development and implementation of comprehensive parenting programs and policies that target these key factors. Keywords: Parenting Style, Attitude towards Education, Parental SES, Addis Ababa.Item The Contribution of Self Help Group Programming to the Holistic Empowerment of Women: The Case of Two Selected NGOs Working on Community Empowerment Projects(Addis Ababa University, 2024-09) Amanuel Kursie; Belay Tefera (PhD)This research investigates the multifaceted contribution of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on women's holistic empowerment. To understand this complex phenomenon, data was collected from 40 women participants using a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, document review, and participant observation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individual participants to explore their personal experiences and perspectives. Focus group discussions were held to understand group dynamics and shared experiences. Participant observation was utilized to capture behaviors, interactions, and cultural practices within SHG settings. Key findings reveal that SHGs significantly contribute to women's economic empowerment by fostering savings, providing access to financial resources, and equipping women with necessary skills. Furthermore, SHGs empower women to negotiate better prices for their products and services, increasing their income and improving their livelihoods. Beyond economic empowerment, SHGs foster social empowerment by creating supportive networks, promoting community engagement, and challenging harmful gender norms. SHGs also play a crucial role in political empowerment by providing women with a platform to participate in decision-making processes, develop leadership skills, and advocate for their rights. Moreover, SHGs contribute to women's psychological empowerment by enhancing self-efficacy, fostering resilience, and providing a supportive environment. It can then be concluded that SHGs immensely contributes to women’s holistic empowerment. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working to promote women's holistic empowerment through SHGs and other community-based initiatives.Item The Psychology of Social Media Influence in Addis Ababa: An Analysis of Influencer Experiences, Strategies and Effectiveness(Addis Ababa University, 2024-11) Amanuel Melaku; Belay Tefera (PhD)This study investigates the experiences, strategies, and effectiveness of social media influencers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on their role as marketing agents within a culturally unique and digitally evolving environment. Employing a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, the research integrates qualitative insights from 22 semi-structured interviews with influencers and quantitative evaluations from 50 structured questionnaires distributed to businesses that have engaged in influencer collaborations. The findings reveal that influencers leverage authenticity, cultural relevance, and audience engagement to build trust and credibility, aligning with psychological frameworks such as Cialdini’s principles of influence, Social Identity Theory, and the Elaboration Likelihood Model. Influencers in Addis Ababa emphasize the use of personal storytelling, local language, and cultural symbols to foster relatability and group identity, addressing the unique socio-cultural expectations of Ethiopian audiences. Quantitative results underscore the effectiveness of these strategies in driving brand visibility, audience engagement, and positive ROI for businesses, though challenges such as balancing authenticity with commercial goals were identified. This study contributes to the growing literature on influencer marketing in non-Western contexts, offering actionable insights for influencers and marketers while expanding theoretical applications in social psychology. The research underscores the importance of adapting global digital marketing strategies to local cultural dynamics and provides practical recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and ethical standards of influencer marketing in Ethiopia. It also identifies areas for future research, including the exploration of audience perspectives and the role of influencers in other emerging markets. Keywords: influencer marketing, social media, audience compliance, cultural adaptation, social psychology, Addis AbabaItem The Experiences of Stigma and Coping Mechanisms among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors in Kolfe Keranio Sub-city, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05) Birtukan Seid; Habtamu Wondimu (Prof.)Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health concern and a serious violation of human rights that refers to any behavior by current or ex-intimate partner resulting with any harm. IPV survivors face additional victimization when they reach out for help called stigma (mark of disgrace) that hinders their help seeking and recovery process. As there is limited empirical evidence documenting IPV related stigma in Ethiopia, the aim of this study was to investigate the experience of IPV stigma, its contributing factors and coping mechanisms among IPV survivors in Kolfe Keranio sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed method cross-sectional study design. The study involved 221 IPV survivor women to investigate the experience of stigma using structured questionnaire and their coping mechanisms using semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation, One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), T-test and Regression Analysis. The study revealed that 44.3% of IPV survivors experienced at least one type of IPV stigma. Perpetrator stigma was the most common IPV stigma faced by about 73% of IPV survivors, followed by Isolation (62.4%). The prevalence of anticipated stigma was 29.9% and Internalized IPV stigma was 38.5%. As to their abusive experience coping, 76% of them used help and support seeking as a coping strategy for their stigma experience. Age of IPV survivors, type of relationship with the abuser, duration of abuse and experiencing physical abuse have shown a significant mean difference on the level of stigma experience across different categories. In addition, different social, institutional, and cultural factors were identified affecting the level of stigma experience. In conclusion, IPV stigma was a major challenge faced by many IPV survivors. Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence, IPV stigma, stigma types, coping strategies, stigma effect and help seeking.