Denis M. Kaye, Dr Grace O. Ugboha & Prof Nanram B. Longbap
Abstract
This study examined the perceived influence of psycho-spiritual counselling on the social adjustment and peer relationships of senior secondary school students in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The population comprised Senior Secondary School II students in public secondary schools, from which a sample of 394 students was selected from ten schools using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Psycho-Spiritual Counselling, Social Adjustment and Peer Relationship Questionnaire (PSC-SAPRQ). Face and content validity were established by experts, while reliability testing yielded a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.86. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions, and chi-square statistics to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that psycho-spiritual counselling positively influences students’ social adjustment and peer relationships, particularly in empathy, cooperation, conflict resolution, and positive peer interaction. The study concluded that psycho-spiritual counselling is effective in enhancing students’ social functioning and recommended its integration into school guidance services.