The Influence of Socio-Psychological Manipulation on Cultism in Public Universities in Kenya: Perceptions of Christian Union Students

Abstract

Cultism is prevalent and increasing among students in universities, with growing concern due to its destructive results, such as suicides, drug abuse, crimes, unrest, and homicide. Other consequences include withdrawal from family, academic malpractices, failure, attrition, and psychological and financial exploitation, among others. This study analyzed the Christian Union (CU) students’ perceptions of socio-psychological manipulation as a factor influencing cultism in public universities in Kenya. The study was carried out in six selected public universities in Kenya. The study employed a mixed-method research design guided by Bounded Choice Theory. The target population was 55,600 Christian Union students in public universities in Kenya, while the accessible population was 10,900 Christian Union students in the six public universities in Kenya. A sample of 220 Christian Union students was selected through simple random and stratified sampling methods, while 60 small group Bible Study leaders and 6 CU patrons were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire, focused group discussion, and interview schedules. The study concluded that socio-psychological manipulation significantly affects the prevalence of cultism (β=0.628; p<0.05). The study established that cult recruiters prey on new students when they are most vulnerable. Cultists take advantage of students’ psychological anguish by posing as though they can provide alternative solutions to their problems. The study recommends that during new students’ orientation, the freshers must be trained on logical and critical thinking and spiritual discernment against cultism and be informed on the dangers of cultism.