EFFECT OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR AND INTERPERSONAL THERAPIES ON MANAGING ADOLESCENTS' AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN OYO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the impact of cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapies on managing adolescent aggressiveness among university students in Oyo, Oyo State. Using purposive sampling techniques, a sample of two hundred students was selected, with fifty students from each of the four universities in Oyo, Oyo State. Data were collected using questionnaires. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable was determined using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC), and the combined influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable was assessed using multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated a significant relationship between interpersonal therapies and adolescent aggressiveness among university students in Oyo (r=.843; p<0.05). Additionally, the study revealed a significant relationship between cognitive behavioral therapy and adolescent aggressiveness (r=.732; p<0.05). It also found a significant relationship between adolescent personality type and aggressiveness (r=.543; p<0.05). The study concluded that physical and verbal aggressions among students are serious issues due to their inherent dangers. Aggression in schools can discourage students from attending due to fear of intimidation or harm, and it can hinder academic achievement. Fear from intimidation and harassment, whether in the classroom or outside, can reduce students' concentration and assimilation, leading to academic underachievement. Therefore, it is crucial to take all necessary measures to eliminate or reduce aggression in universities. Based on the findings, the study recommends the following actions: Given the prevalence of physical and verbal aggression among students, lecturers should pay closer attention to students both in the classroom and on the playground, where such behaviors often occur, and ensure that aggressors are appropriately punished. The formation of anti-aggression clubs in schools is also recommended. These clubs would monitor, discourage, and report aggressive behaviors to lecturers and school administrators, ensuring that perpetrators are suitably disciplined.