Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy in Treating Psychopathological Symptoms among Adolescents

Authors

  • Onyeka O. Aniemeka Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Redeemers' University, Ede
  • Ebenezer O. Akinnawo Department of Pure and Applied Psychology Adekunle Ajashin University, Akungba-Akoko
  • Bede C. Akpunne Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Redeemers' University, Ede
  • Daniel O. Kumuyi St Matthew’s University of Medicine. Lime Tree Bay Ave, West Bay
  • Deborah F. Onisile Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Redeemers' University, Ede

Keywords:

Psychopathological symptoms, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, adolescents, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) in managing psychopathological symptoms (PS) among in-school adolescents in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. The study utilised a pretest-posttest control quasi-experimental research design. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) of adolescents with psychopathological symptoms (PS) was performed. Twenty participants (aged 12–17 years) who reported high PS from an earlier assessment of 1028 in-school adolescents of selected secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria, were randomly grouped to receive either Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) or combined CBT + ACT. The Awaritefe Psychological Index (API, Form X) was used for assessments. A 52.1% prevalence of general psychopathology was observed among the participants. Significant reduction in the PS was observed at the 2nd 4th 6th and 8th week.  A post-hoc analysis showed significant mean effect of time (week two, week four, week six and week eight) in reducing PS compared to the baseline result. The study revealed that CBT and ACT are efficacious in managing PS. CBT was found to be more efficacious when compared to ACT, and the combination of CBT and ACT in managing the identified PS.

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Published

2024-12-27

How to Cite

Aniemeka, O. O., Akinnawo, E. O. ., Akpunne, B. C. ., Kumuyi, D. O. ., & Onisile, D. F. . (2024). Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy in Treating Psychopathological Symptoms among Adolescents. Ife Social Sciences Review, 32(2), 1–11. Retrieved from https://issr.oauife.edu.ng/index.php/issr/article/view/255