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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Impact on Conflict Marriages in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria: Implications for Guidance

Danlami Danladi, M. B. Usman PhD and V. O. Adikwu PhD, Naomi Kaka Audu. PhD

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on conflict and violent marriages in Federal Capital Territory , Abuja, Nigeria, with implications for guidance and counselling practice. The target population consisted of married couples experiencing marital conflict and violence in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, Abuja. A sample of 40 couples was purposively selected, and 37 completed responses were analysed. Data were collected using a self-structured instrument, the Conflict and Violent Marriages Questionnaire , and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, t- test, and One-Way Analysis of Variance at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that CBT significantly reduced marital conflict and violent behaviours among couples, with no significant differences based on location or educational literacy level. The study concluded that CBT is an effective intervention for promoting healthy marital relationships regardless of urban-rural setting or educational attainment. The findings underscore the importance of integrating CBT into marital guidance and counselling programs to enhance communication, emotional regulation, and conflict-resolution skills among couples.

Keywords

Cognitive Behavioural Therapymarital conflictviolent marriagesFederal Capital TerritoryNigeriaguidance and counselling

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