EFFECTS OF COUNSELLING AND INFORMATION SERVICES ON EMOTIONAL MATURURITY OF DESTITUTES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERITORY (FCT)ABUJA

This study investigated the effect of Counselling and Information Services on Emotional Maturity of Destitute in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. To give direction to the study, one research question was raised and corresponding hypothesis formulated. The study was a Quasi-experimental research design which includespre-test and post-test for both the experimental and the control group. The total population of the study was 2,304 consisting of all destitute in Karmajiji and Yangoji camp in FCT Abuja. The sample size offifty five (55) subjects was used for the study. An intact group of 30 destitute using purposive sampling techniques was selectedfrom Yangoji camp which was used for the control group while 25 destitute from Karmajiji Camp was used for the experimental group. Researchers made questionnaire titled: Counselling Information Services and Emotional Maturity Scale (CISEMS) was used for the study. The CISPEMS designed by the researchers consisted 24 items. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05level of significance. The result revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean rating between experimental group and control group on their measurement of emotional maturity. This means that counseling and information service was effective in creating a positive change of behaviour of destitute that have manifested depressed emotional maturity in IDP camps that participated in the intervention program. This experimental strategy is recommended to counsellors to help them improve the emotional maturity of the destitute, give counseling and carry out rehabilitation services.