The Psychosocial Resources Applied By Co-Wives In Coping With Stressful Polygamous Environments: A Case Of Kajiado County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to find out the psychosocial resources co-wives apply in coping with the stressful polygamous environments. Studies on the area of the psychosocial effects of polygamous marriages have highlighted on the negative effects of the practice on women. However, these studies fail to outline if there are any workable intervention measures (strategies) which co-wives can apply to cope with the polygamous environments. There was need to address the plight of co-wives in Kenya since polygamy is a legalized practice and is in the country to stay. The findings of the study provide empirical evidence useful in advocacy for the application of ideal mitigation strategies for co-wives exposed to stressful polygamous environments in Kenya. The theoretical framework applied in the study was a combination of elements from the Salutogenesis theoretical framework developed by Professor Aaron Antonovsky and the Empowerment conceptual framework developed by Julian Rappaport. The two theories postulate that the more individuals take control of their environment, the more they are likely to move towards a positive state of wellness. Maasai co-wives need to be empowered so as to take control of the polygamous environments they live in. The study design utilized was the qualitative research design. The total population of all Maasais in Kenya was at 1,189,522. Purposeful sampling approach was used in the selection of a sample consisting of 100 Maasai co-wives from Olooloitikoshi village in Kajiado North. Interviews were administered orally with the aid of an interpreter to take care of illiteracy and also eliminate communication barrier during data collection. A pilot study was initially administered so as to verify the effectiveness of the proposed study design and method. Purposively selected respondents were interviewed and descriptive statistics were used to test the findings of the study. The University recommendations were adhered to. A research permit from NACOSTI was acquired prior to data collection and appropriate human treatment observed. The study would be beneficial to policy makers who will address the plight of women in polygamous families from an informed perspective. Men and women already in polygamy and those intending to engage in it will also benefit from the study.