Relationship between Academic Burnout and Family Functioning Among University Students in Langata Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Academic burnout has emerged as a significant concern among university students due to its adverse effects on academic performance and psychological well-being. Although family functioning plays a critical role in shaping students’ emotional regulation and coping capacities, limited empirical research has examined its association with academic burnout among university populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between academic burnout and family functioning among university students. The study was grounded on Maslach's burnout theory and Murray Bowen's family systems theory.The study adopted a correlational research design to examine the relationship between the two variables.The Yamane formula (1967) was applied to determine the sample size of 244 participants from the study target population of 1007.Data was collected using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory – Student Version (OLBI-S) and a combined questionnaire incorporating the Family APGAR Scale and the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and Pearson correlation analysis with SPSS version 25. Results from Pearson correlation analysis showed there was a relationship between academic burnout and family functioning among university students in Langata Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya (r=.229).The study recommends to the institutions of higher learning to strengthen counseling and peer support programs in order to help the university students.