Abstract:
The general objective of this study was investigating perceived discrimination and
psychological well-being of Manjo Ethnic Minorities and non-Manjo Group in Kaffa zone,
Gimbo woreda. Quantitative research methods were employed to achieve the research
objectives. For this study, two groups of respondents were recruited from three selected Kebeles
in Gimbo woreda. 298 total participants from two groups were selected using stratified random
sampling technique. The strata were based on gender and ethnicity. Lists of respondents from the
kebele were obtained on the basis of household survey. A demographic questionnaire, perceived
discrimination and psychological wellbeing scale were administered to collect necessary data.
Data from the quantitative survey were analyzed using mean, percentages, Spear man’s rho (rs)
correlation and independent sample t-test. The results show that there was a significant strong to
very strong negative correlation between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being
(rs= -.774, p=.000<0.01 for males and it is rs= -.954, p=.000<0.01) for female Manjo Ethnic
Groups). Significant mean variation was found in perceived discrimination and psychological
well-being measures among Manjos and non-Manjos t(296)=81.6, p=.00<0.01 with 95% of
variation (
2
) explained and t(296)= -100.09, p=.000<0.01with 97% of variation (
2
) explained
in both Manjos and non-Manjos. The mean differences in the measure of perceived
discrimination and psychological wellbeing scale across gender t(147)= -2.08, p=.039<0.05with
2.2% of variation (
2
) explained and t(147)=3.95, p=.000<0.01with 8.9% of variation (
2
)
explained in males and females of Manjo Ethnic Group. Thus, these research findings have
implications for Counseling (particularly with Multicultural context) in working with
marginalized Manjo Ethnic Group. Due to this, comprehensively extending the existing
awareness creation activities by local government in both groups, running the social service
provision tasks by incorporating psychologists or social workers were some of the
recommendations.
