EFFECT OF SYSTEMATIC DESENSITIZATION ON SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ORLU EDUCATION ZONE OF IMO STATE

Abstract

The study determined the effects of systematic desensitization on the separation anxiety disorder among secondary school students in Orlu Education Zone 1 of Imo State. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study employed quasi experimental research design, involving pre-test, post-test treatments and control groups. The area of the study was at Orlu Educational Zone 1 of Imo State. The population of the study consisted of 28,956 junior secondary school students and the sample size was of 65 students with separation anxiety disorder drawn from public secondary schools in Orlu Educational Zone 1. The students with separation anxiety disorder was first identified using Separation Anxiety Disorder Identification Rating Scale (SADIRS).Two instruments were used for data collection which were validated. The reliability of the instruments was established using Cronbach Alpha with coefficient of 0.89 which dim high for the study. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation the mean gained and mean lost score where used to ascertain the effect of treatments. Mean and standard deviation were employed to answer research questions. The null hypotheses where tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and observed probability value (P-Value) at the set probability value of 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that systematic desensitization significantly reduced separation anxiety disorder among the students which showed greater effectiveness. These results underscore the potential of these therapeutic techniques to enhance the mental health and academic performance of students.Base on the findings of the study it was recommended that Schools should incorporate SDT into their mental health and counselling programs which provide an advanced based method for addressing separation anxiety disorder and other anxiety related issues. Systematic desensitization (SDT) are effectives intervention for reducing separation anxiety disorder among Junior secondary school students. Counsellors and educators should integrate contingency management strategies into their behavioural interventions to assist students with anxiety disorders.