Dimensions of Cognitive Dissonance and the Level of Job Satisfaction among Counsellors in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria

This study examined the dimensions of cognitive dissonance and the extent to which cognitive dissonance could influence the level of job satisfaction of guidance counsellors. The study was guided by three research questions and one null hypothesis. The design of the study was correlational survey. The population of the study was 158 practising counsellors in public secondary schools in Delta and Edo states. Owing to the small size of the population, there was no sampling as the entire population constituted the sample size. The instrument used for data collection was the Counsellor’s Dissonance and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (CDJSQ). The research questions were answered using percentages and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) while the null hypothesis was tested using the Multiple Regression Analysis. The hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. Major findings of the study included: 1.the Nigerian counsellor is experiencing cognitive dissonance, though at various levels; 2.the respondents identified the following as the dimensions of job satisfaction experienced by the Nigerian counsellor: commitment, loyalty, involvement, performance and the desire to quit; 3. it was found that the Nigerian counsellor was satisfied with the job. The study revealed the percentage of the counsellors’ level of satisfaction on each of the dimensions investigated; and 4. it was found that the dimensions of cognitive dissonance are significantly related to the level of satisfaction of counsellors on the job. In the same vein, the study identified some implications of the findings to the counselling profession and the education system generally. The observed implications prompted the study to make some recommendations. Keywords: Cognitive dissonance; Dimensions of dissonance; Job satisfaction