Effectiveness of Modelling Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy on Aggression among In-School Adolescents who gamble in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

Gambling among in-school adolescents has become a major psychological and social concern, affecting academic performance, mental health, and peer relationships. This study examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Modelling Therapy (MT) on aggression among gambling adolescents in secondary schools within Education District II of Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a sample of 250 students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Gambling Related Cognition Scale (GRCS) and Verbal Aggressiveness Scale (VAS). Three hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 significance level using mean, standard deviation, and ANCOVA. Findings revealed that gambling significantly influenced aggression, while age had no significant effect. Both CBT and MT were effective in reducing aggression compared to the control group. It was recommended that teachers and school administrators be trained in basic CBT and modelling techniques to identify and manage aggression early. Strict enforcement of age restrictions on physical and online gambling was also advised.

Keywords: Aggression, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Modelling Therapy, Gambling, In-school Adolescents