Fostering Adolescents’ Interpersonal Behaviour: An Empirical Assessment of Enhanced Thinking Skills and Social Skills Training

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of enhanced thinking skills (ETS) and social skill training (SST) in fostering interpersonal behaviour among Nigerian adolescents. A pre- and post-test experimental-control group design with a 3x2 factorial matrix was employed for the study. Gender which was used as a moderator variable was considered at 2 levels along with two (2) experimental and one (1) control groups. The study participants were one hundred and twenty (120) Senior Secondary 2 and 3 students randomly selected from 3 chosen secondary schools in Sagamu LGA of Ogun State. One standardized instrument was used in collecting data while analysis of covariance and t-test statistical methods were used to analyze the generated data. Both the treatment programmes were effective in fostering interpersonal behaviour in the adolescents but Enhanced Thinking Skill was found to be more effective than Social Skill Training. The study also revealed that both ETS and SST did better with females compared to males. Based on the findings, it was recommended that all caregivers must continuously update their skills on the use of ETS and SST to help our youngsters live a meaningful and fulfilled live.

Keywords: Adolescents, Enhanced Thinking Skills, Social Skills Training, Interpersonal Behaviour, Emotions and Gender