Osamudiamen Pujar VBAZENABORMEN

This study investigated the effectiveness of online counselling in addressing anxiety disorders among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. It was anchored on Cognitive Behavioural Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model, which together explain the therapeutic, motivational, and technological dimensions of online counselling. The study adopted an ex post facto research design, and a sample of 394 undergraduates was drawn through proportionate stratified sampling. Data were collected using the Online Counselling Feedback Questionnaire (OCFQ) and analysed using Pearson’s product–moment correlation and Fisher’s Z tests at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between engagement in online counselling and reduction in anxiety symptoms (r = .252, p < .001), indicating that students who participated in online counselling reported lower levels of worry and tension. Further analysis showed a significant difference based on sex, with male students showing a stronger relationship (r = .376) than female students (r = .168). However, age did not significantly moderate the counselling–anxiety relationship. These findings suggest that online counselling is an effective and accessible tool for mitigating anxiety among university students. The study concludes that while online counselling holds strong potential to enhance student mental health, sex-responsive engagement strategies are essential to ensure equitable benefits. It is recommended that universities integrate structured online counselling systems, train counsellors in digital modalities, and promote awareness of technology-based mental health services within higher education institutions in Nigeria