The Challenge of Mental Health and Youth Development in South West Nigeria: Implication for Counselling

Abstract

The study examined mental health as a challenge to youth development in Southwest Nigeria: Implication for counselling. Specifically, the study investigated the extent of mental health of youths in South-West Nigeria, the level of youth development and the relationship between counselling and mental health of youths in South-West Nigeria. The descriptive research design of the survey type was used for this study. The population for the study consisted of all youth between the ages of 15 20 years in Ekiti State. The sample for the study consisted of 1200 youths in Ekiti State selected using a simple random sampling technique. A self-designed research instrument was used for the collection of relevant data for the study. The reliability of the instrument was determined by finding the internal consistency of the instrument using the test retest method to obtain a reliability coefficient value of 0.80. The responses obtained were collated and analysed using Pearson product moment correlation, tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between, disruptive behaviour, isolation, self-esteem, discrimination and youth development in South-West Nigeria. The findings also revealed a significant relationship between counselling and mental health youths in Southwest Nigeria. The study recommended the development of mental health screening programs in schools and community centers to identify early and support youths experiencing anxiety, focusing on building coping mechanisms and resilience.