EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAUMA-INFORMED COUNSELLING IN ACHIEVING MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN NIGERIAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

Many adolescents are facing a lot of challenges that have exposed them to the dangers of trauma in schools. Trauma is a very serious, harmful and public health challenge and the most common forms are physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse; anxiety, stress and physical illness, failure to protect from harm, neglect of basic needs, exposure to domestic violence and substance abuse which could threaten the physical and mental well-being of adolescents in school. Exposure to trauma in school has been found to increase absenteeism, suspensions, expulsions, dropout rates, and teacher attrition. Trauma-informed counselling intervention is a strengths-based framework that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma, emphasises physical, psychological, and emotional well-being and safety for adolescents, and creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. Therefore, the paper highlights the concept of trauma, types of trauma, the prevalence of trauma, causes of trauma, signs and factors inducing trauma, the impact of trauma, the role of teachers, parents and counsellors in handling traumatic issues, and principles and benefits of trauma-informed counselling for adolescents in schools. Based on the suggestions provided;school counsellors are needed in all schools most especially primary and secondary schools to help and educate adolescents on the effects and dangers of trauma. Counsellors are needed in schools to provide education, prevention, intervention and referral services to adolescents whose trauma has posed a barrier to learning and development.