Journal of Psychiatric Insight Review

Abstract

Background: Conduct disorder (CD) is a growing challenge among adolescents in Lagos State, often leading to academic, social, and behavioural difficulties. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has shown promise globally as an evidence-based intervention for modifying disruptive behaviours, yet empirical work remains limited in the Nigerian school context. This study examined the effectiveness of an ABA intervention in reducing conduct-disordered behaviours among secondary school students in Lagos State. An experimental design (Randomised Controlled Trial) was used for the study; 64 adolescents screened for conduct disorder were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). The experimental group received weekly ABA-based sessions for 8 weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Conduct disorder was assessed at pretest, posttest, and at a 4-week follow-up using the Raine et al. Conduct Disorder Scale. Independent t-test results showed a significant reduction in conduct disorder among the experimental group compared to the control group [1]. Paired t-test results further indicated a significant decrease from pretest to posttest among treated adolescents. Findings demonstrate that ABA significantly improves conduct related behaviours in Nigerian adolescents, highlighting its relevance for school-based behavioural interventions.