IMPACT OF COMPASSION-FOCUSED AND DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPIES ON THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS OF ADOLESCENTS WHO PERCEIEVE THEIR PARENTS AS SUBSTANCE-ABUSERS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Substance abuse by parents can significantly impair their capacity to provide for and meet their children’s fundamental needs including, physical, mental, social and emotional support. This can leave children vulnerable to adverse experiences, potentially leading to psycho-social challenges such as anxiety, aggression, low self-esteem and shame. There is a need to address and resolve these challenges for the overall well being and development of the child. This study investigated the impact of Compassion-Focused and Dialectical Behaviour therapies on the psycho-social adjustment of children who perceive their parents as substance abusers. The quasi-experimental pretest, post-test control research design was used for the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 101 adolescents (39 male and 62 females) who perceive their parents as drug abusers) in three Education Districts of Lagos State. Data collection instruments were Children Who Perceive their Parents as Substance Abusers Questionnaire, Severity Measure for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Two research objectives and two corresponding research questions were raised. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The study revealed a significant difference in the psycho-social adjustment of adolescents as a result of the interventions. The result of the analysis revealed that compassion-focused and Dialectical behaviour therapies significantly reduced anxiety and increased self-esteem among the male and female participants. Recommendations based on the findings of the study include identifying and managing adolescents with poor psycho-social adjustment using both Compassion-focused and Dialectical Behaviour therapies