Antecedents and Consequences of Work Engagement among Professional Counsellors in Kenyan Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

Positive occupational health psychology research is rapidly taking center stage in the field of work and wellness in the 21st century. Consequently, researchers and practitioners are increasingly gravitating towards positive psychology research. However, person specific workrelated variables such as work engagement and fulfillment have not received adequate attention in research within Kenya among professional counselors in the university setting. This paper explores the antecedents and consequences of work engagement among professional counselors in Kenyan higher learning. The study utilized cross-sectional survey design with a target population of 193 mental health providers in 75 higher education institutions in Kenya. Saturated sampling techniques were used to conduct a census of all respondents. Quantitative data was obtained using self-response questionnaire. Data analysis utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study tested all posited hypotheses at 0.05 significant level and analyzed data using statistical tools with the aid of SPSS - 24. The response rate was 180 (94%). Work engagement among professional counselors was high (UWES = 4.23; sd = 1.48) and correlated positively with job satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Engagement was found to predict higher existential fulfilment (-0.084(p = 0.26 ˃ 0.05) and low job burnout (-0.327(p = 0.00 ˂ 0.05). Based on these findings, it the study recommended that Kenyan institutions of higher learning should strengthen established antecedents of work engagement to militate against adverse consequences at the workplace. These results have significant implications for workplace psychological health and functioning of professional mental health providers as well as other staff.