Effects of problem-solving technique and anxiety management training on career indecision of school-going adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of problem-solving technique (PST) and Anxiety Management Training (AMT) on the reduction of career indecision among school-going adolescents. One hundred and twenty-two SS2 students (males = 56, females = 66) randomly selected from three coeducational secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria participated in the study. A 3 x 2 factorial pretest­-posttest experimental control group design was adopted for the study. There were two experimental groups and a control group, ‘Career Factors Inventory' for measuring career indecision was administered before and after the five-week experiment. The data derived from the pre and post treatment assessments were subjected to a 3 x 2 factorial analysis of covariance using pre-test scores as covariates. The differences between the groups were established through the use of Fisher's Protected Least Significant Difference Method on the adjusted means. The results indicated that the two treatment methods (PST and AMT) were more effective than no treatment in reducing the students' career indecision. Gender had no significant effect on treatment outcome, while there were no significant interaction effects of gender and treatment on career indecision. Based on these findings the PST and AMT were recommended for reducing career indecision among adolescents in Nigerian schools.



Journal of Psychology in Africa 2004, 14(2): 139–145