Title: Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on Respect for Personal Space among Students with Learning Disabilities in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi Ebenezer Oyewole, Abiodun Taofikat Adewunm
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 217-223
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
Respect for personal space is an important social skill that is often impaired among students with learning disabilities due to challenges in social cognition and self-regulation. This study examined the effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on respect for personal space among students with learning disabilities in Ondo State, Nigeria, with parental socioeconomic status (SES) examined as a moderating variable. A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test control group design was adopted, involving 55 SSI students identified through screening instruments. Participants were assigned to CBT and control groups, while SES was categorised into low, medium, and high levels. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that students exposed to CBT showed greater improvement in respect for personal space compared to those in the control group. Parental SES had a mild effect, with students from medium and high SES performing slightly better. A significant interaction effect indicated that CBT was most effective when combined with higher SES. The study concludes that CBT enhances interpersonal boundary awareness among students with learning disabilities.