Title: Addressing Truancy among Junior Secondary School Students in Shagamu: The Efficacy of Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Authors: Oluwafunmilola Oyeyemi Dipeolu, Ph.D.
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 114-119
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the effectiveness of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in reducing truancy among junior secondary school students in Shagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. Using a pretest-posttest, control group quasi-experimental design, the study involved 40 students from two selected schools, one exposed to MET and the other serving as a control group. The study aimed to determine the impact of MET on truancy, the difference in truancy reduction between the experimental and control groups, and the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between MET and truancy reduction. Results revealed that MET significantly reduced truancy (F = 5.67, p = 0.023) and there was a significant difference in truancy reduction between students exposed to MET and those who were not (F = 4.12, p = 0.041). However, gender did not significantly moderate the effect of MET on truancy (F = 1.89, p = 0.113). These findings suggest that MET is an effective intervention for truancy reduction, with similar benefits for both male and female students. The study highlights the potential of MET to improve school attendance and provides a basis for incorporating it into school-based interventions for truancy. Recommendations for future research include exploring long-term effects and evaluating MET in other regions and contexts.