The Efficacy of Rehearsal and Cognitive Therapies on the Management of Juvenile Delinquency Among Senior Secondary School Adolescents, in Benin Metropolis of Edo State

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency among adolescents remains a growing concern within secondary schools in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers such as Benin Metropolis, Edo State. This study examined the efficacy of rehearsal therapy and cognitive therapy in the management of juvenile delinquent behaviours among senior secondary school adolescents. The study used quasi experimental research design. The targeted population of the study consisted of Eighteen thousand, and twelve (18,012) public mixed Senior Secondary School Adolescents in Benin Metropolis. A sample size of one hundred and thirty-three (133) adolescents were selected from the population through multi-stage sampling technique. An instrument titled "Juvenile Delinquency Assessment Scale (JDAS)" was used. The validity of the instrument was established by three test experts, two from Counselling Psychology, and one from Measurement and Evaluation, in the Department of Educational Evaluation and Counselling Psychology. A Reliability coefficient value of 791 was obtained using Cronbach's alpha statistics. The data collected were analyzed using paired sample t-test statistics, one way analysis of variance Two-way ANOVA, including Post Hoc multiple comparison. The study revealed that there were significant differences in the Pre-test and Post-test mean scores in the management of juvenile delinquency of Senior Secondary School adolescents, when exposed to CBT, RT and Control group at post-test. This shows that the two treatment packages, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Rehearsal Therapy that were used in modifying juvenile delinquency, were effective. It was recommended that Counsellors, and Psychologists should make use of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Rehearsal therapy in assisting students and clients who exhibit acts of juvenile delinquency.