COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AMONG NIGERIAN ADOLESCENTS

Authors: Mary Ifeoluwa Otegbade & Deborah Anuoluwapo Demurin

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of counselling psychology on developing social entrepreneurship skills among Nigerian adolescents, focusing on social awareness, social innovation and creativity, and business planning. The core research questions investigate whether there are significant differences in these skills between adolescents who have undergone counselling psychology and those who have not. The study utilized a quantitative research design with a sample size of 200 Nigerian adolescents, comprising 79 who had received counselling and 121 who had not. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that measured social awareness, creativity, and business planning skills. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests were employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed significant differences in social awareness skills (t = 20.519, p < 0.05) and social innovation and creativity skills (t = 18.193, p < 0.05), with adolescents who had undergone counselling scoring higher on these dimensions (mean = 3.40 and 3.25, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in business planning skills (t = 0.323, p > 0.05), as both groups demonstrated similar competencies (mean = 3.50 vs. 3.48). The study concludes that counselling psychology is pivotal in enhancing social awareness and creativity skills, equipping adolescents to become social change agents. However, its influence on technical business planning skills is limited. It recommends integrating counselling psychology with formal entrepreneurial education and mentorship programs to address the skill gaps holistically. These interventions can foster resilient, innovative, and socially conscious youth prepared to tackle Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.

Keywords: Counselling Psychology, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Awareness, Social Innovation, Creativity, Business Planning Skills.

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