Abstract

The study examines the psycho- social effect of parental separation or divorces on adolescents and its implications for counselling. A descriptive research survey was used while stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the population sample. The sample population used is 120 adolescent students randomly drawn from twelve secondary schools in Surulere local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The students responded to a well structured questionnaire which generated data for testing the hypotheses using the simple percentage and chi-square statistical method. The results of psycho-social effect of parental separation or divorce on adolescents include the poor academic performance, social development, interpersonal relation and pitiable emotional stability manifestations. A five point recommendations to reduce and eradicate divorce and separation of parents are made. Government, communities, courts, and religious organization should work jointly to ensure that all married couples as well as singles have access to child centred and affordable counselling services.

Key words: Psycho-social, parental separation, divorce, adolescents, counselling and local government.