Counselling for Social Change: A Review of Behavioural Interventions Targeting Violence, Addiction, Mental Health, and Value Reorientation among Youths in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This systematic review explored the role of counselling in addressing behavioural issues among Nigerian youth population in Anambra State, focusing on interventions targeting violence, addiction, mental health disorders, and value reorientation. A comprehensive search of academic databases identified relevant peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2025. The review synthesizes findings from interventions such as Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and socio-cognitive skills training, highlighting their effectiveness in fostering attitudinal reformation and psychosocial adjustment. Key themes identified include the positive impact of counselling on reducing maladaptive behaviours, promoting psychological well-being, and enhancing academic performance. However, gaps in the literature, such as the lack of longitudinal studies, underrepresentation of rural and out-of-school youth populations, and insufficient mixed-methods research, were also noted. The review highlights the need for context-sensitive counselling frameworks, the integration of counselling services into school curricula and youth development programmes, and capacity-building for counsellors to address emerging behavioural challenges. Furthermore, it calls for policy reforms that embed counselling as a core strategy for youth empowerment and national development. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on youth counselling in Nigeria and suggest directions for future research and practice in this field.