Rational emotive behaviour therapy in improving retirees’ attitude towards political participation

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy in improving retirees’ attitude
towards political participation. Twenty four retirees (mean age = 55.50 years) within Ilorin Metropolis participated in
the study. They were randomly assigned to one treatment and one control groups. A validated instrument termed
“Retirees’ Attitude towards Political Participation Question-naire”) was administered to the two groups before and
after the experimental programme. ANCOVA was employed for the analysis of data. Results showed that the
treatment package (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) was effective in improving retirees’ attitude towards
political participation, their religious affiliations notwithstanding. Based on the findings, it was recommended that
the counseling curriculum in Nigeria be expanded to accommodate this new problem area and that retirees should
always seek counseling.