online counselling

This study examined the effectiveness of online counselling in addressing mental health issues among University of Benin students. The increasing rate of mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression among university students has raised concerns about the existing counselling services. Online counselling has emerged as alternative to face-to-face counselling, offering accessibility, flexibility, and confidentiality. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised undergraduate students of the University of Benin, from which a sample was selected using simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire titled “Online Counselling and Mental Health Questionnaire (OCMHQ)” was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts in the department of Guidance and Counselling and had a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.966, indicating high internal consistency. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that online counselling is effective in addressing students’ mental health issues, particularly in enhancing emotional well-being, reducing anxiety, and promoting positive coping mechanisms. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, limited awareness, and concerns about confidentiality affected the full utilization of these services. The study concluded that online counselling plays a significant role in promoting students’ mental health when properly implemented and supported. It was recommended that the University of Benin should strengthen its online counselling framework by improving digital infrastructure, creating mental health awareness campaigns, and training counsellors in virtual counselling skills.

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