Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Trauma among Adolescents in Kenya

Description

Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Trauma among Adolescents in Kenya presents a thorough examination based on a six-month Quasi‐experimental study among adolescents in informal settlements in Kajiado County, Kenya. The book focuses on uncovering the distinct challenges faced by adolescents and their correlation with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), highlighting the heightened risk of school dropout associated with these challenges. Exploring the prevalence of PTSD, factors influencing its manifestation, and its link with school attendance, the book emphasizes the global concern of mental health disorders hindering Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4, whose focus is quality education, good health, and well-being. It advocates for the integration of Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) into school systems to alleviate PTSD symptoms among adolescents. CBITS empowers afflicted adolescents with skills for symptom relief, fostering an environment conducive to successful education completion and maximizing potential. Beyond providing a practical solution for addressing PTSD, the book contributes to the discourse on policies enhancing access to mental health care for adolescents. It serves as a call to action, recognizing the long-term impact on future well-being and urging thoughtful policies to mitigate adverse trauma effects on adolescents.

Dr. Preskilla Ochieng‐Munda is a qualified professional with a diverse educational background, holding a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Zoology from the University of Nairobi, an MBA from the United States International University‐Africa, a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, both from Daystar University. Currently serving as a Lecturer in the School of Education, Arts, and Social Sciences at Africa International University‐Kenya, she brings over a decade of experience in the Mental Health sector. Beyond her academic role, Dr. Ochieng‐Munda has served as an adjunct lecturer in various Kenyan universities and held leadership positions in diverse sectors, providing valuable guidance for program design and implementation. Her academic excellence is demonstrated through numerous published journal articles and significant contributions to mentoring Master’s and Ph.D. students. Engaging in community service, she leads impactful programs such as the Build Mind Muscle (BMM) initiative, offering vital coping skills to adolescents. Amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic, she initiated the “THRIVING BEYOND LOCKDOWN” program, empowering women with coping skills. Collaborating with NGOs, she conducts peer educators’ training programs, equipping them to support youth in diverse communities. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Ochieng‐Munda extends her impact by providing training opportunities within the community, with a specific focus on empowering young women and men. Her dedication to both academia and community service reflects a commitment to positively impacting individuals’ mental well-being and overall personal development.