Role of Guidance and Counselling in Promoting Mental Health among Secondary School Students in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State

The study examined the role of guidance and counseling in promoting mental health among secondary school students in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. Three research questions guided the study. The design of the study was the descriptive survey. The population of the study comprised of students in public secondary schools with a total population of 45,318 and 60 Counsellors. A sample of 226 students and 20 counsellors making a total sample of 246 was drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. The questionnaire was validated in its face and content by three experts, two experts in guidance and counseling and one expert in Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach alpha reliability method and a coefficient of 0.87 was obtained as a measure of consistency. Generated data was analyzed using the mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that guidance and counseling services had impact on secondary school students’ mental health such as preventing students from experiencing mental health crisis, develop better coping strategies, reduce stress / anxiety and overall well-being. It was concluded that through guidance and counseling, students can get emotional support, skill development, prevention of risky behaviour, increased independence, and help in managing conflict and relationships.