SELF-MANAGEMENT AND COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING THERAPIES AS PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ON ADOLESCENT LONELINESS AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Adolescent loneliness and suicidal ideation have become significant public health concerns, with increasing reports of emotional distress and self-harming behaviours among young people. Despite the severity of these issues, psychological interventions remain underutilised due to limited mental health awareness and accessibility. This study investigated the effectiveness of Self-Management Therapy (SMT) and Cognitive Restructuring Therapy (CRT) in mitigating adolescent loneliness and suicidal ideation in Anambra State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group research design was employed. The study involved 101 adolescent students randomly assigned to three groups: SMT, CRT, and a control group. Data collection instruments included the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ), the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), and the Loneliness Scale (LS). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), were used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed that both SMT and CRT were effective in reducing adolescent loneliness and suicidal ideation, with CRT showing slightly greater effectiveness. Gender did not significantly influence the outcomes, indicating that both male and female adolescents benefited equally from the interventions. It is recommended that schools integrate SMT and CRT into their counselling services, and that mental health professionals receive training to implement these interventions effectively. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to destigmatise mental health issues and encourage adolescents to seek support.