Effectiveness of two counselling therapies on truancy among in-school adolescents with smuggling tendency in the border towns of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Truancy among in-school adolescents in the border towns of Ogun State presents a significant social challenge with profound  implications for both individual well-being and community development. This study sought to delve into the intricate dynamics of  truancy, particularly among adolescents with a proclivity for smuggling. Consequently, this study examined the effectiveness of Cognitive  Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapy (ABAT) in the management of truancy problems among  inschool adolescents with smuggling tendency in the border towns of Ogun State, Nigeria. Quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test control  group research design was adopted with three experimental groups of two treatment packages of CBT and ABAT and Control Group. The  study involved 111 students, consisting of 66 male and 45 female who were selected in the three Local Government Areas of six border  towns using multistage sampling process. Relevant data were collected using Student in Business Questionnaire and Truancy Need  Assessment Questionnaire. Statistical tools, which include mean, standard deviation, mean differences and Analysis of Covariance were  employed to analyse the data. The study found out that the interventions were efficient in the management of adolescents' truancy.  Specifically, the use of ABAT was better in the management of adolescents' truancy than the CBT. Truancy among the control group increased because no treatment was given to them. It was also observed that there was a significant gender difference in the post-test  mean scores on truancy among adolescents with smuggling exposed to treatment and control groups. One of the recommendations given was that group therapy sessions involving CBT and ABAT should be integrated into the school curriculum to curb and prevent  truancy among adolescents, particularly in the border towns.