COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING IN ENHANCING CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS AMONG LEADERS IN SELECTED L.G.A.s IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

Conflict among leaders is a pervasive challenge in community governance, often impeding progress and disrupting social harmony. This study comparatively examined the effectiveness of group and individual counselling in enhancing conflict resolution skills among leaders in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design involving pre-test and post-test measures was adopted. Sixty leaders were purposively selected and divided equally into group counselling and individual counselling interventions. Data were collected using a standardized Conflict Resolution Skills Inventory and analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA and One-Way Between-Groups ANOVA. The findings revealed that both group and individual counselling significantly improved conflict resolution skills (p <.05), with group counselling showing a higher effectiveness. The study concludes that counseling particularly group-based can serve as a strategic tool in leadership development and peace building. Recommendations include integrating group counselling programmes into leadership training initiatives and tailoring intervention strategies for optimal outcomes.