Psychological Effects of Covid 19 on Job Performance of Teachers in Secondary Schools in Kakamega Central Sub-County KenyaNTRAL SUB-COUNTY KENYA

Abstract

The study investigated the psychological effects of COVID-19-related stress on the job performance of secondary school teachers, particularly in Kakamega Central sub-county, Kenya. COVID-19 brought widespread psychosocial stress, significantly impacting teaching and learning. According to the WHO (2020), the pandemic triggered global anxiety, fear, and psychological distress natural responses to such an unpredictable health crisis. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, the study adopted a mixed methods approach incorporating descriptive survey, ex-post facto, and correlational designs. The target population included 429 teachers, 24 principals, and 1 sub-county director of education. Using stratified random sampling, 7 principals and 228 teachers from 24 public secondary schools were selected. Data collection tools included questionnaires and interview schedules. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review by educational psychology supervisors from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, followed by a pilot study in two schools. The questionnaire achieved a strong reliability score with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.845. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. ANOVA was used to determine the effects of psychological stress, while regression analysis identified the relationship between psychological effects and job performance. Findings revealed that psychological stress significantly affected teachers’ job performance. At a 5% level of significance (p = 0.001 < 0.05), psychological effects were confirmed as significant predictors of job performance. The study concludes that COVID-19-induced psychological stress substantially hindered teachers' effectiveness. It recommends that schools acknowledge and address psychological stressors among staff, particularly during crises, to support better psychosocial adjustment and maintain optimal job performance.