MODERATING EFFECT OF GENDER ON EFFICACY OF POSITIVE SELF-TALK AND TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS ON SELF-DEFEATING BEHAVIOUR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Self-defeating behaviour is gradually becoming an issue of public concern in Nigeria and adequate research focus is yet to be given to it due to other pressing health concerns. The degree of self-defeating behaviour experienced among secondary school adolescents in recent times is quite high and the negative feedback from this challenge calls for attention. This study therefore investigates the effectiveness of positive self-talk and transactional analysis in reducing self-defeating behaviour among secondary school adolescents, focusing on gender differences and treatment outcomes. The study adopted pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design with a 3x2 factorial matrix. Ninety-six participants were purposively selected from three public secondary schools in Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria, and assigned to positive self-talk, transactional analysis, and control groups. Two validated research instruments were used to generate data; socio-demographic profiles and the Self-Defeating Behaviour Scale. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and descriptive statistics.  Results revealed a significant main effect of treatment on self-defeating behaviour among secondary school adolescents (F(2, 77) = 151.781, p < .05, ?2= 0.798). Positive self-talk was found to be more effective than transactional analysis in reducing self-defeating behaviour. Additionally, gender differences were observed, with males exhibiting higher levels of self-defeating behaviour than females (F(1,77)= 8.928, p<0.05, ?2= 0.104). However, gender did not significantly moderate the effect of treatment on self-defeating behaviour (F(2, 77) = 2.662, p > .05). These findings highlight the efficacy of positive self-talk in mitigating self-defeating behaviour and underscore the importance of considering gender differences in addressing this issue among adolescents. The study underscores positive self-talk and transactional analysis's efficacy in addressing self-defeating behaviour among adolescents, emphasizing tailored interventions and comprehensive approaches. Further research and intervention implementation in educational settings are recommended to support adolescent well-being and development. Key words: positive self-talk, transactional analysis, self-defeating behaviour, adolescents, gender differences, treatment outcomes, effectiveness