Journal of Professional Counseling

Editorial & preliminary pages

Mary Ogechi Esere — 2024-10-28

Journal of Professional Counselling (JPC: ISSN 2645-2308; eISSN: 3043-5625) is published annually by the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON). JPC maintains a leadership position as a repository for scientific information in the field of counselling, counselling psychology, applied psychology and related disciplines. The journal is in the process of being indexed and abstracted by African Journals Online (AJOL) and EBSCOHOST. The editorial/consulting team cuts across scholars from different parts of the world. The journal publishes well researched and well articulated papers/articles. Submission of an article implies that the material has not previously been published, nor is it being considered for publication elsewhere. Each article undergoes a blind peer-review process and plagiarism tests to ensure a high level of originality priorto publication.

FACTORS INFLUENCING PARENTAL CHOICE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT FUNAKAYE LGA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Mohammed H. ASHAKA — 2024-10-28

This study examines the factors that parents consider when choosing a secondary school for their children at a few chosen schools in the Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. The primary objective of the study is to pinpoint the issue of the declining quality of education, which may have a direct impact on secondary school choice based on maintaining academic performance. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive research design, this study gathers relevant empirical information using questionnaires and interviews. We used percentages to analyse every piece of data that was submitted to the table. Fifty people in total took part in the survey. The findings showed that children don't mind if their parents choose their schools for them; parents also said that factors like wealth, the school's standard, the learning environment, and academic achievement all influence the decision about which school to attend. Subsequently, suggestions are offered, including the need for the government and society at large to provide high-quality education with certified instructors and conventional facilities. To encourage parents to take their kids to school, the schools should set reasonable and manageable costs. To face the current problems worldwide, the government should upgrade and provide the required tools and new technical equipment to raise the level of public schools. Students ought to make every effort in order to excel in life

VALUE ORIENTATION AND MARITAL HARMONY AMONGST MARRIED EMPLOYEES IN MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL OF FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA NIGERIA

Iya H. AYUBA — 2024-10-28

This study investigated the relationship between value orientation and marital harmony amongst married employees in municipal area council of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Nigeria. Research questions and hypotheses guided the study. Correlation survey design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised married employees in Abuja Municipal Area Council of FCT. The sample of the study consists of 150 participants sampled using purposiverandom sampling technique. A researchers’ made instrument titled; Value Orientation and Marital Satisfaction Scale (VOMSS) was used for collecting data. Validity of the instrument ascertained by experts was 0.78. Reliability was determined using Cronbach Alpha which yielded 0.82. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results revealed significant relationship between value orientation and marital harmony amongst couples in FCT. Researchers recommended that counsellors should organize marriage seminars periodically to empower couples to imbibe values that promote openness, readiness to change, respect, tolerance, perseverance, forgiveness and love in their marital relationship. Similarly, stakeholders in various cultural and traditional institutions as well as government orientation agencies should embark on vigorous campaigns to reorient the populace on obnoxious social and cultural beliefs that serve as breeding grounds for marital disharmony.

EFFECTS OF REINFORCEMENT ON ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE OF CHILDREN WITHIN AGES 4-7 YEARS IN ETCHE L.G.A. RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Margaret G. KENNEDY — 2024-10-28

The study examined the effects of reinforcement on attitude of gratitude among children of ages 4- 7 years. Observational method was used to assess attitude of gratitude before and after treatment. because of the potential inability of children aged 4-7 to provide responses to test questions. Two aims and two research questions guided the study. The population was made of 200 youngsters whose parents are members of the international recreation club at Shell Location Umuebulu11in Etche, Rivers State. Thirty-three children without attitude of gratitude were identified for the study and randomly placed into 2 groups. The observed group consists of 17 children who received treatment while the unobserved group of 16 were excluded from treatment. The method's validity was determined by comparing the level of agreement between the researchers at the same time. The approach's dependability was determined using Cohen Kappa's inter-observer agreement method. The effect of appreciation on the children was assessed before and after treatment, and compared with those in the unobserved group. The process consisted of three steps: introduction, consolidation, and termination. The results revealed a significant disparity in the level of consensus among observers between the group that was observed and the unobserved group. The findings demonstrated that the implementation of reinforcement had a significant impact on the treatment group. It was recommended that parents and teachers should be taught reinforcement tactics and should use them with children who lack a sense of appreciation.

IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON SPOUSAL ABANDONMENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS: THE NEED FOR VALUE ORIENTATION.

Ronke E . EHINDERO — 2024-10-28

The phenomenon of spouses abandoning their marital responsibilities is increasingly becoming a critical issue in many relationships, with profound repercussions for both partners and their children, if any. This study investigates how emotional intelligence might act as a mitigating factor against marital abandonment within the community of secondary school teachers in the Ilorin metropolitan region. Through a descriptive survey approach, the research sets out to accomplish multiple goals: evaluating the levels of emotional intelligence among these educators; examining their encounters with marital abandonment; probing into how emotional intelligence could potentially lessen the instances of marital abandonment; and scrutinizing any gender-based differences in emotional intelligence and experiences of marital abandonment among the teaching staff in Ilorin, Kwara State. The target population for this research included all secondary school teachers in the Ilorin metropolitan area, estimated to be 9,298 individuals, from which a sample of 400 teachers was randomly selected for detailed study. The study used a questionnaire titled "Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Gender on Marital Desertion Questionnaire (IEIGMDQ)" to collect data on marital desertion. The questionnaire was content-validated and tested with a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Demographic data was analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and rank order, while three null hypotheses were analyzed using a t-test statistical tool. The results indicated that a significant portion of the married secondary school educators displayed a strong presence of emotional intelligence. Despite this, they faced issues of marital neglect, characterized by their partners' indifference towards their basic needs, lack of support during challenging times, and neglect of their expected responsibilities, among other concerns. The study found that emotional intelligence doesn't significantly impact marital abandonment among married secondary school teachers in the Ilorin metropolitan area. There was no significant difference in emotional intelligence levels between male and female educators.The phenomenon of spouses abandoning their marital responsibilities is increasingly becoming a critical issue in many relationships, with profound repercussions for both partners and their children, if any. This study investigates how emotional intelligence might act as a mitigating factor against marital abandonment within the community of secondary school teachers in the Ilorin metropolitan region. Through a descriptive survey approach, the research sets out to accomplish multiple goals: evaluating the levels of emotional intelligence among these educators; examining their encounters with marital abandonment; probing into how emotional intelligence could potentially lessen the instances of marital abandonment; and scrutinizing any gender-based differences in emotional intelligence and experiences of marital abandonment among the teaching staff in Ilorin, Kwara State. The target population for this research included all secondary school teachers in the Ilorin metropolitan area, estimated to be 9,298 individuals, from which a sample of 400 teachers was randomly selected for detailed study. The study used a questionnaire titled "Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Gender on Marital Desertion Questionnaire (IEIGMDQ)" to collect data on marital desertion. The questionnaire was content-validated and tested with a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Demographic data was analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and rank order, while three null hypotheses were analyzed using a t-test statistical tool. The results indicated that a significant portion of the married secondary school educators displayed a strong presence of emotional intelligence. Despite this, they faced issues of marital neglect, characterized by their partners' indifference towards their basic needs, lack of support during challenging times, and neglect of their expected responsibilities, among other concerns. The study found that emotional intelligence doesn't significantly impact marital abandonment among married secondary school teachers in the Ilorin metropolitan area. There was no significant difference in emotional intelligence levels between male and female educators.

CLASS SKIPPING AS A HIDDEN CAUSE OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN LAGOS STATE PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR VALUE REORIENTATION

Isiaka T. DADA — 2024-10-28

Class skipping is a hidden deviant behaviour in schools, especially in public secondary schools. Many researchers have focused on absenteeism and truancy, but class skipping is more dangerous because it includes the attributes of absenteeism, truancy, and many other undesirable deviant behaviours. Its danger includes breeding and nurturing recruits for touts and cultists and being a source of producing agents of insecurity if not addressed. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of class skipping in Lagos State public secondary schools and ascertain its relationship with juvenile delinquent behaviours. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The sample consisted of one hundred and eighty-eight participants (45.9% male and 54.1% female), out of which one hundred and twenty-two (122) were students and fifty-nine (59) were teachers in Lagos State public secondary schools. A random sampling technique was used to select study participants from all six education districts. The participants came from eighty-four (84) secondary schools—twenty-three (23) Junior Secondary Schools and sixty-one (61) Senior Secondary Schools. A self-developed questionnaire titled "Questionnaire on Class-Skipping as a Hidden Threat for Juvenile Delinquency in Lagos State Public Secondary Schools," vetted with face validity by a test and evaluation expert in the Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, was used as the instrument for collecting data. The questionnaire was administered by the researcher, who employed research assistants. The questionnaire was analysed using percentage. The study revealed that out of an average classroom of 50-100 students, there was an average of 1-5 class skippers. Class skipping might cause juvenile delinquent behaviours in Lagos State public schools, and there is a possibility of rehabilitating the class skippers. Therefore, a full-time professional counsellor should be employed and assigned to each secondary school in Nigeria to achieve Sustainable Development Goals four education for all.

VALUE RE-ORIENTATION: A COUNSELLING STRATEGY FOR COMBATING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE AMONG STUDENTS IN BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Bolanle O. JAIYEOLA — 2024-10-28

Counselling for value reorientation in basic education is necessary for learners' holistic development in a constantly changing world. This abstract explores the need, approaches, and importance of value reorientation counselling in Nigerian basic education to guide students against examination malpractice. The primary objective of such counselling is to assist learners in understanding and cultivating their values, beliefs, and ethical principles of writing examinations. It can be delivered through individual or group counselling sessions, integrating into the curriculum or organising special events focused on values education. Value reorientation counselling encourages students to explore their values, reflect on moral dilemmas, and make informed decisions on the need to study hard for all forms of assessment in school. It equips learners with effective decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional and social development skills. Reorientation would encourage collaboration between school counsellors, parents, and teachers, which is vital for a comprehensive method to value reorientation. Constant support and reinforcement are necessary to ensure that learners' values are continually explored and strengthened. Counselling for value reorientation will ultimately empower students to develop a solid moral compass, make responsible choices, and become ethical and compassionate individuals with great self-worth and assurance to tackle any examination.

EFFECT OF CONJOINT FAMILY THERAPY ON VALUE REORIENTATION AMONG YOUTHS FROM DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES IN ABA METROPOLIS, ABIA STATE

Rebecca E. AGHADINAZU — 2024-10-28

The study examined the impact of conjoint family therapy on value reorientation among youths from dysfunctional families in Aba Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental research design was used in the study. Two (2) research questions and one corresponding hypothesis raised were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study participants comprised of all families in the Aba metropolis with dysfunctional characteristics. The sample was 46 families with dysfunctional characteristics. The tool used to gather data was a researcher-developed instrument entitled “Value Reorientation and Family Dysfunctional Questionnaire (VRFDQ)”. The reliability coefficient, was 0.72. At the 0.05 level of significance, the obtained data were analyzed using Mean and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that the mean responses of the families exposed to therapy and the control group differed significantly. Therefore, it was concluded that the conjoint family therapy approach is effective in combating dysfunctional characteristics among families and had an impact on how young people from such families reoriented their values. Thus, it was recommended among others that value re-orientation programmes, seminars, and workshops on healthy family living should be propagated by professional counsellors, churches, and NGOs to curb dysfunctionality among families.

CONFLICTS WITHIN THE FAMILY AS CORRELATE OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

Faith O. C. GIWA-AMU — 2024-10-28

The research investigated conflicts within the family as correlate of suicidal ideation among students in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Benin Metropolis. In order to guide the study, two research questions raised were answered. Two hypotheses generated at 0.05 alpha level. Research design method adopted was a correlational survey. Population consisted of three thousand eight hundred and fifty-three students in male only and female only Public Senior Secondary schools in Benin Metropolis. Sample drawn from the population comprised, three hundred and eighty-five students in SS2 classes; being a total of six schools, two per Local Government Area. Conflicts within the family as correlate of suicidal ideation scales (CFCSIS) was the instrument used. The reliability coefficient index of 0.86 for conflict scale and 0.81 for suicidal ideation confirmed the reliability of the instrument. Pearson r and multiple linear regression statistics, were used to analyse collected data. Findings showed that conflicts within the family correlates with suicidal ideation among Public Senior Secondary students in the Metropolis of Benin. Recommendations are, that massive public awareness and value re-orientation through workshops and seminars, on the dangers of habouring suicidal thoughts is made; including, the creation of functioning counselling centres and mental health clinics with well-trained counselling psychologists to help change attitudes towards negative happenings.

IMPACT OF BROKEN HOMES ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Kehinde K. LAWAL — 2024-10-28

Everyone, especially children, struggles with broken households, which affects their cognitive development and academic achievement. The study investigated the effects of broken homes on academic performance among secondary school pupils in Alimosho, Lagos State. An independent t-test with a significance threshold of 0.05 was used to analyse five hypotheses in the study, which followed a descriptive technique. The study employed a self-designed questionnaire known as the "Broken Homes on Academic Performance Questionnaire (BHAPQ)" with a reliability value of 0.73. Five schools were chosen using stratified sampling, and 150 participants (75 males and 75 females) were selected using systematic sampling. The study's findings indicated that students in senior secondary school who came from broken households had significant effects on their academic performance, classroom interactions, cognitive development, and social adjustment. A considerable gender variation in the social adjustment among the students from family was established. In light of the study's findings; parents should stay with their children to ensure their well-being. Furthermore, to minimise the impact on academic achievement, the school's counselling team should be well-prepared to cope with pupils from broken homes.

HYBRID REHABILITATION MODEL FOR THE TREATMENT OF PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN KANO STATE: AN ALTERNATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY

Idris S. ROGO — 2024-10-28

Drug abuse is a major issue affecting communities worldwide, and Kano State in Nigeria is no exception. The detrimental effects of drug abuse can be observed in all aspects of society, from individuals and families to the overall social fabric. To combat this pervasive problem, it is crucial to develop effective strategies and implement comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of drug abuse. In this study, the researcher explored the current state of drug abuse in Kano State and develops one of the most promising strategies and solutions (Hybrid Rehabilitation Model) that is highly effective in the treatment of people with substance use disorder in Kano State and Nigeria in general. To achieve its objectives, this paper strives to elucidate the relevance of Hybrid Rehabilitation in combating the menace of drug abuse in our society devoid of relapse and also suggests the practical techniques of community acceptability through cultural rejuvenation and societal re-orientation to restore our good values. The paper suggests that the Hybrid rehabilitation model should be incorporated in the treatment of clients with substance use disorder and the Government should formulate a policy where culture, tradition, and religion should take a leading role in rehabilitating people with substance use disorder.

CURBING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES THROUGH VALUE REORIENTATION AMONG UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES IN ABIA STATE

Gertrude O. IKPEKAOGU — 2024-10-28

The study focused on Curbing Examination Malpractices through value Re-orientation among University students. The study used a descriptive survey for the research. The participants of this study included 140 undergraduate students and 20 lecturers who were chosen from Abia State University Uturu's faculty of education. Fifty final-year students and twenty lecturers selected from the study's population comprised the sample and sampling techniques. The research tool utilized in this study was made up of an undergraduate students' questionnaire drawn from a related literature review titled Curbing Examination Malpractices Through Value Reorientation Among Undergraduate Students Using Counselling Services, Good Study Habits and Attendance to Classes (CEMTVRAUSUCSGSHAAC). The study findings showed that a good number of the respondents adopted textbook skimming, in-depth cheating with calculators, phones, Online Searches, taking notes from others, group discussions, last-minute reading. Findings of the study also revealed that the majority of Nigerian university students in the study area attend lectures at least three times a week while the students hardly attend lectures four or five times a week. The findings also revealed that students never on their own visited counsellors except on a referral basis: The following recommendations were made in addition to the conclusion: Moral Education Training is required and should be made compulsory for all levels in school, Students should be counselled to believe in their own skills, potential, and willpower. They should also be taught that if other students can pass their exams honestly, so can they, among others.

INFLUENCE OF PARENTING STYLE ON FAMILY VALUE REORIENTATION IN KEFFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Cecilia O. BABA — 2024-10-28

Family is a basic unit in the society which traditionally consists of two parents rearing their children for effective inculcation of societal values and providing necessary as well as acceptable orientation. A reoriented society cannot exist without a reoriented family in which parenting is crucial. The study thus investigated the influence of parenting styles on family value reorientation. in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. To guide the study, three research questions were raised while three null hypotheses were formulated. The study adopted descriptive survey design. A sample of 380 respondents were randomly selected among senior secondary school students from ten randomly selected senior secondary schools in Keffi Local Government of Nasarawa State. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire tagged “Parenting Styles on Family Value Reorientation Questionnaire (PSFVRQ)” was content validated and has a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the most popular parenting styles experienced by students in Keffi Local Government is permissive style followed by authoritarian style and authoritative style of parenting. It was found that authoritative, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles had significance influence on family value orientation in Keffi Local Government Area. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that counsellors should organise counselling services and therapies for parents on authoritative, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles.

INFLUENCE OF COPING VALUES AND STRATEGIES ON ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NASARAWA STATE

Vershima M. TSEAA — 2024-10-28

A significant number of Nigerian pupils are not meeting the expected academic standards. This may be attributed to several things, including coping values and methods. This research examined how coping values and techniques affect the academic adaptation of university students in Nasarawa State. This research used a descriptive survey approach. The research included a population of 29,252 undergraduate students located in Nasarawa State. The study's sample consisted of 360 undergraduate students. The data collecting tool used was a researcher-developed questionnaire called the Coping Values, Strategies, and Academic Adjustment Questionnaire (CVSAAQ). The instrument produced a consensus validity index of 0.87 for CVSS and 0.82 for AAS, respectively. The instrument's dependability was confirmed with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.88. The study questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics at a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed that the social skills coping value and strategy have a substantial impact on the academic adjustment of university students in Nasarawa State. The researcher suggested that counseling psychologists could aid university students in managing their social environment by offering guidance on establishing effective study groups and fostering positive peer connections.

ROLE OF COUNSELLING IN PROMOTING VALUE RE-ORIENTATION IN TERTIARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Salisu B. ALI — 2024-10-28

This paper, explored the role of counselling in promoting value re-orientation in an educational system, highlighting the need for professional counsellors, administrators, and policymakers to adapt and improve their practices, the potential values of education, identifying the factors that contributed to the declined values in Tertiary Education and pointed out the roles of counselling in promoting value re-orientation in tertiary education. This paper mentions the challenges faced by professional counsellors in promoting value re-orientation in tertiary education in Nigeria such as the lack of funds, poor salary and school environment which caused significant disruption to the regular counselling activities. The paper suggested that Counsellors in various states in Nigeria should organize moral counselling and advocacy sensitization programmes for the heads of the school, teachers, parents and the entire society. instead of leaving the concepts in their theoretical forms alone, practical efforts should be made to involve counsellors in the implementation of educational policy documents and Counsellors should group themselves in their residential states or localities to take counselling to homes, families, communities, hospitals, correctional services and so on. The paper concluded that the desired value re-orientation that we look for can only be achieved through a vibrant counselling programme and the effectiveness of counselling depends on the counsellors' efforts in various phases and should organise moral counselling, advocacy and sensitisation programmes for the heads of the school, teachers, parents and the entire society on proper awareness of counselling as a discipline.

VALUE ORIENTATION AND HOME BACKGROUND AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AKWANGA AND LAFIA EDUCATION ZONES OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Angelina N. ONYEJI (AGBASI) — 2024-10-28

This study investigates the relationship between value orientation and home background among senior secondary school students in Akwanga and Lafia Education Zones, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Correlational survey research design was used. Two research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The sample sizes of 370 students were selected from a population of 5668 male and female students in Akwanga and Lafia Education Zone. The researchers used instrument titled: Value orientation and home background scale (VOHBS) for the study. The instrument was validated and reliable at 0.92 and 0.81 using construct validity and Cronbach alpha coefficient. Data was collected and analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) for hypothesis one and hypothesis two was tested using independent sample t-test. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between value orientation and home background among senior secondary school students in Akwanga and Lafia Education Zones. The study also revealed that there is significant difference in value orientation between male and female students in Akwanga and Lafia Education Zone. The study concluded that value orientation is correlated with home background and there is no variation across value orientation among male and female students. The study recommended that the school authorities should develop educational programs that focus on promoting positive values among students from diverse background that can positively impact their behaviour and decision making.

USEFULNESS OF SELF-MONITORING METHOD ON BULLYING CONDUCTS AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN ABIA STATE

Ijeoma A. UCHENDU — 2024-10-28

This study examined how well self-monitoring method affected bullying conducts among teenagers in Abia State who were enrolled in school. At the 0.05 threshold of significance, two distinct and null hypotheses were developed and put to the test. Pre-test, post-test, and control group design were used in a quasi-experimental study. The study consisted of 124 in-school adolescents comprising of 60 male and 64 female SS II students randomly selected from Umuahia Educational Zone. One school was randomly selected from each of the six Local Government Areas that made up Umuahia Education Zone. A researcher-made instrument titled: “Manifestation of Bullying Among In-School Adolescents’ Questionnaire (MBAIA)” was made. Experts in measurement and evaluation, guidance and counseling, and education from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike evaluated the questionnaire's items. The overall reliability of the instrument was 69. The data was analyzed using covariance analysis, mean, and standard deviation. The findings of the study indicated that the students exposed to self-monitoring method had significant reduction in their bullying conduct compared to those of the control group. Furthermore, gender did not significantly influenced student bullying conduct implying that there was no statistically significant difference between bullying conduct and gender. These findings were situated within the already existing body of knowledge, and their implications for counselling for value re-orientation in education were discussed. Among the recommendations made were training on the principle of self-monitoring conduct modification method being integrated into the existing secondary education curriculum.