Influence of Guidance and Counselling Services on Students’ Indiscipline in Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State

This study examined the influence of Guidance and Counselling Services on students’ indiscipline in public secondary schools in Rivers State. The study specifically focused on how follow-up services, referral services, and appraisal services affect students’ behavioural patterns and discipline. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 2,911 respondents comprising 2,852 senior secondary students and 59 guidance counsellors from four selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State. A sample size of 873 students and 59 counsellors was drawn using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled “Influence of Guidance and Counselling Services on Students’ Indiscipline Questionnaire (IGCSSIQ).” The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and z-test at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that follow-up services, referral services, and appraisal services significantly influence students’ indiscipline by helping to monitor, assess, and provide intervention for behavioural issues. Based on the findings, it was recommended that schools strengthen counselling services, establish referral networks with professional agencies, and train counsellors on effective appraisal techniques to reduce indiscipline among students.