IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EVALUATION AND PHYSICAL REPORT (IJMEPR )

E-ISSN 2579-0498
P-ISSN 2695-2181
VOL. 9 NO. 1 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijmepr.v9.no1.2025.pg79.91

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Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Behavioral Challenges Among Basic Four Pupils with Down Syndrome in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Joy Ladi Itodo, Prof Yakubu Mallum and Prof Grace Momoh

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Abstract

This study examines the effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on behavioural challenges among Basic Four pupils with Down syndrome in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Down syndrome is associated with cognitive, motor, and behavioural difficulties that impact learning and social interactions. This study employed a true experimental design with a pre-test, post-test control group to investigate the effectiveness of CBT in reducing oppositional behaviour disorder, attention behaviour disorder, and social withdrawal disorder. A sample of 12 pupils was selected, with six assigned to the experimental group receiving CBT and six in the control group receiving regular instruction. Data was collected using the Behaviour Disorder Checklist (BDC) and analysed using the mean, standard deviation and t-test of independent samples. Results indicate a significant reduction in behavioural challenges among the experimental group compared to the control group. The study concludes that CBT is an effective intervention for improving behaviour among children with Down syndrome and recommends its integration into special education programmes and therapeutic interventions.

keywords:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt), Down syndrome, Behavioural challenges

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