Al-Hikmah University Journal

Truancy, or habitual absenteeism from school, poses significant challenges to academic

achievement and overall development among secondary school students. This write-up views

the application of Cognitive Restructuring Therapy (CRT) as an intervention for managing

truancy behaviour among students in Kwara State, Nigeria. CRT, a cognitive-behavioural

approach, aims to alter maladaptive thought patterns that contribute to negative behaviour,

including truancy. The therapy helps students reframe negative beliefs about school, develop

coping strategies, and enhance their motivation for regular attendance. The study concludes

that CRT is a promising strategy for managing truancy in secondary schools, highlighting the

need for further implementation and evaluation across diverse educational contexts.

Suggestions include integrating CRT into school counselling programs and providing

training for educators to support its application.