Influence of Psychological Gender-Based Violence on Household Livelihood Sustenance: Implications for Mental Wellness among Women in Tharaka North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Psychological gender-based Violence continues to undermine sustainable rural development by reducing household productivity, increasing vulnerability, and weakening community resilience. Among its various forms, Psychological Gender-based violence affects psycho-social well-being of households as well as mental health conditions. However, empirical evidence on its influence on household livelihood sustenance and mental wellness among women in rural Kenya remains limited. This study examined the influence of Psychological Gender-based violence on household livelihood sustenance and its implication on mental wellness among women in Tharaka North Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Sustainable Livelihood Theory and Femicide Theory. The study adopted a mixed research design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 392 respondents comprising household representatives and key informants using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and simple linear regression analysis using SPSS Version 31.0, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo Version 14. The findings established that Psychological Gender-based violence significantly reduced household livelihood sustenance and increased mental stress. It further increased cases of trauma and negatively affected self-esteem levels. Psychological violence had a statistically significant negative influence on household livelihood sustenance (R² = 0.563, P < .001), demonstrating that households experiencing higher levels of psychological gender-based violence were more likely to experience increased mental health related issues and reduced livelihood outcomes. The study concludes that preventing Psychological Gender-based violence is essential for improving mental wellness and strengthening livelihood resilience among women in Tharaka community. It recommends improving survivor support services and integrating violence prevention initiatives into rural livelihood mental health programmes.