The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt)-Based Group Counseling on Reducing Anxiety in Facing Examinations

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

This study investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based group counseling in reducing test anxiety among twelfth-grade students at the Accounting and Finance program of SMK Batik 1 Surakarta. Using a quantitative pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, data were collected from 8–10 students selected via purposive sampling, utilizing a test anxiety scale that covered cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral dimensions. The intervention focused on structured cognitive restructuring techniques to help participants identify, challenge, and replace maladaptive thoughts related to examinations. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in anxiety scores, with an average improvement of 12.38% (p = 0.002) following the sessions. These findings provide empirical evidence that CBT-based group counseling is a robust, structured intervention for school counselors to effectively manage academic pressure and enhance psychological well-being among students in vocational education settings.