Efficacy of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy on Low Academic Self-Efficacy Among In-School Adolescents in Abia State

Ifeoma Nwachukwu; Osorochi Obi; Moses Ajoku

Authors

Dr. I. C. Nwachukwu Department of Guidance and Counseling College of Education Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Author
Prof. O. P. Obi Department of Guidance and Counseling College of Education Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Author
Dr. M. U. Ajoku Department of Guidance & Counselling College of Education Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Author

Keywords:

Rational emotive, behaviour therapy, Academic self-efficacy, adolescents

Abstract

This study is an empirical evaluation of rational emotive behaviour therapy on academic self-efficacy (ASE) among in-school adolescents in Abia State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study employed a Quasi-experimental design of pretest, posttest non-randomized control group using gender as moderator variable. A total of 24 in-school adolescents were purposively sampled from a population of 687 using Academic Self-efficacy Identification Questionnaire (ASIQ) validated by three experts. Data were collected in two phases of pre-treatment and treatment. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, and the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test the null hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that REBT counselling significantly enhanced students' ASE compared to the control group. The findings suggest that the REBT was highly effective in fostering positive cognitive and behavioural changes that improve ASE. There were no gender disparities in treatment outcomes. It was suggested that counsellors employ rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) to help in-school adolescents improve their academic self-efficacy.
Key Words: Rational emotive, behaviour