Effectiveness of Group Counselling in Reducing Social Withdrawal Among Internally Displaced Students in Maiduguri, Borno State

Internal displacement resulting from armed conflict in North East Nigeria has generated a large population of children and adolescents experiencing significant psychological trauma, social isolation, and educational disruption. This study evaluated the effectiveness of group counselling in reducing social withdrawal among internally displaced students attending schools in Maiduguri, Borno State. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design with a control group was used. Forty-eight students identified as socially withdrawn through the Social Withdrawal Observation Checklist were distributed between two groups. The experimental group participated in ten structured group counselling sessions incorporating narrative therapy and supportive group interaction, while the control group received no structured intervention. Post-test scores were analysed using analysis of covariance. Findings indicated a statistically significant reduction in social withdrawal among students in the experimental group, with notable improvements in communication confidence, peer engagement, and classroom participation. Age was not a significant moderating variable. The study concluded that group counselling is an accessible and contextually appropriate intervention for displaced students in Borno State schools. Recommendations were made for the Borno State government and humanitarian education partners to fund counsellor deployment in schools receiving internally displaced persons, and for the integration of psychosocial support into standard emergency education programming. Keywords: group counselling, social withdrawal, internally displaced students, Maiduguri, Borno State.