Title: Effect of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy on Social Withdrawal among Female Senior Public Secondary School Students in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Teslim Ayobami Hammed and Ogundele Caroline Seun
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 160-165
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) on social withdrawal among female senior public secondary school students in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental research design involving pre-test, post-test, and control group was adopted. A total of 60 female students identified as exhibiting moderate to high levels of social withdrawal were purposively selected and randomly assigned to experimental (REBT) and control groups. The intervention programme lasted for eight weeks, focusing on cognitive restructuring, disputation of irrational beliefs, and enhancement of adaptive interpersonal skills. Data were collected using a validated Social Withdrawal Scale with a reliability coefficient of 0.84. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed a significant main effect of treatment on social withdrawal (F(2, 57) = 7.833, p = 0.005, ?pē = 0.511), indicating that REBT had a strong effect in reducing social withdrawal among participants. The findings further showed a significant main effect of family dynamics on social withdrawal (F(1, 57) = 5.051, p = 0.040, ?pē = 0.252), while the interaction effect between treatment and family dynamics was not significant (F(2, 57) = 1.526, p = 0.249, ?pē = 0.169). It was concluded that REBT is effective in reducing social withdrawal among female adolescents, although family dynamics also play a significant role in shaping outcomes. The study recommended the integration of REBT into school counselling services to enhance students' social adjustment and interpersonal functioning.