Efficacy of Systematic Desensitization in Reducing Psychometric Phobia among Student Teachers in the University in Zaria

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of systematic desensitization in reducing psychometric phobia among student teachers in the university in Zaria, Kaduna State. Two research questions and two research hypotheses guided the study. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted for this study. A sample size of 120 300 level students from the Federal College of Education, Zaria affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Uthman Dan Fodio University Sokoto were chosen from the entire population of the 300 level students. The instrument used for data collection was the Test Anxiety Questionnaire. The instrument reliability index was 0.78.  Data related to the research questions were analysed using statistical meanwhile data related to the research hypotheses were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Findings from the study revealed that the systematic desensitization technique (experimental group) was effective in reducing psychometric phobia among student teachers as compared to those in the conventional method (control group).  The results also revealed that there was no significant gender difference in the efficacy of systematic desensitization technique among student teachers’ psychometric phobia. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Systematic desensitization technique should be adopted by the Faculty of Education in Universities across the country as an effective treatment for psychometric phobia among student teachers their gender notwithstanding to improve their academic performance in statistical courses. The guidance counsellors should practice other forms of treatment (relaxation) techniques other than systematic desensitization with the student teachers and provide them with the cognitive tools to defeat the negative thoughts that they may have before, during and after statistics classes. The government and school administrators should give adequate support to counsellors and teachers alike, by providing a conducive environment and giving adequate financial support to boost their activities in the universities. The Counselling Association of Nigeria (CAN) should organise conferences and workshops to train its members on the current trends in the application of systematic desensitization in the treatment of psychometric phobia and other maladaptive behaviours in our universities.