Mental Health Status Ratings Among Selected Social Service Couriers:

Abstract

In the wake of Nigeria's recent legislation against the prevalent corrupt and unhealthy practices among her citizenry, it has become important to examine the mental health status of the various social services couriers who are indeed the vendors of the new orientation. This paper therefore is a report of the level of preparedness for the task in respect of their social maturity. This is with a view to making them aware of the enormity of their responsibilities to build a virile, sane, morally sound and corruption-free, healthy society. In doing this therefore, 400 social services couriers (comprising Nurses, Social Workers, Teachers and Clerics) responded to the Social Maturity Rating Scale SOMARS) constructed by Adegoroye (1994). The respondents serve at the various services locations of the 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti State. Analysis of their responses show that virtually all the respondents rated very high on the social maturity indices. Based on the findings from this survey, suggestions and recommendations were made to appropriate persons, groups and Government on the need to assist the social services couriers in further developing higher mental maturity and better control over their own emotions.

The Nigerian Journal Of Guidance And Counselling Vol. 7 (1) 2000: pp. 176-183