Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Intervention on Stress and Resilience among Agricultural Students Engaged in Okro and Pepper Production Practicals

Abstract

In the Nigerian university environment, students face various stressors that can hinder their academic performance. Despite their dedication to achieving academic success, the challenging environment can be a barrier. While there is existing research on stress, none has focused specifically on agricultural students. This gap in the literature inspired researchers to investigate the impact of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) on stress and resilience among agricultural students through a randomised controlled trial. A sample of 90 participants from year two and year three at Kogi State University in Nigeria was randomly selected for an 8-week randomised evaluation using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Evaluation Resilience Scale (EERS). Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis, revealing that agricultural students who underwent the 8-week CBT intervention experienced significantly lower stress levels and increased resilience compared to the waitlisted control group. In conclusion, CBT intervention can help agricultural students effectively manage stress and enhance resilience. These findings highlight the effectiveness of CBT in reducing stress and boosting resilience among agricultural students. It is recommended that the university implement CBT interventions to support agricultural students.