Relationship between Psychological Distress and Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) among University Students: A Case Of Usiu-Africa, Kenya

Research in psychological distress and intimate violence suggest that there is a dual –relationship between the variables. This study was carried out among university from USIU-A in Kenya. The general objective of the study was to establish the relationship between psychological distress and intimate partner violence among USIU-A students. Specific objectives were to assess the levels of psychological distress, levels of intimate partner violence, and to establish relationship between psychological distress and intimate partner violence. The study adopted a descriptive correlational design as the research methodology. The sample size was 88 (47 Females, 41 Males) sampled using convenience sampling. Results of the study showed the entire sample size had had a mean of 12.82 (SD = 8.98) on stress, Anxiety (M = 10.25, SD = 8.96), and Depression (M = 10.14, SD = 10.10). On IPV, the results showed that the respondents had a psychological abuse (M = 24.74, SD = 6.18); physical abuse (M = 13.06, SD = 5.23); and Controlling (M = 12.17, SD = 3.49). The results on the levels of IPV showed that 38.6% had low levels of psychological abuse, 23.9% low levels of physical abuse, and 35.2% low levels of controlling. On the relationship between psychological distress and IPV, the results indicated a significant positive correlation (r = 0.224, P = 0.036) between psychological distress and intimate partner violence. This study recommended that university should periodically hold workshops and training to sensitize and create awareness on the link between psychological distress and IPV.