Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy in improving retirees’ attitude towards political participation. Twenty four retirees (mean age = 55.50 years) within Ilorin Metropolis participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to one treatment and one control groups. A validated instrument termed “Retirees’ Attitude towards Political Participation Questionnaire”) was administered to the two groups before and after the experimental programme. ANCOVA was employed for the analysis of data. Results showed that the treatment package (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) was effective in improving retirees’ attitude towards political participation, their religious affiliations notwithstanding. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the counseling curriculum in Nigeria be expanded to accommodate this new problem area and that retirees should always seek counseling.

Key words:  Retirees, attitude, political participation, Rational emotive behaviour therapy.