The Effect of a Training Program Based on Albert Ellis` Theory in Rational Thinking on The Levels of Stress and The Strategies of Coping With It

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effect of a training program based on Albert Ellis` theory in Rational Thinking on the levels of stress and the strategies of coping with it. It also aimed at investigating the level of stress among students, and their most common used coping strategies. A sample of (40) Yarmouk University students who were enrolled in a practical education program volunteered to participate in the study, and divided randomly into two equivalent experimental and control groups. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers developed a training program based on Albert Ellis` theory in rational thinking, and two instruments to measure stress level and coping strategies. Validity and reliability of the program and the two instruments were established. The results revealed that students had a medium level of stress, and that their most common coping strategies were respectively: denial, imagining, rational thinking, problem solving, humor, entertainment, and turning to religion. The results also revealed the existence of significant effect of the training program in reducing stress and improving coping strategies. Results also revealed no existence of significant effect of gender on stress and coping strategies, and a significant effect of gender on the emotional dimension of stress in favor of females. No significant effect was found of the interaction between the training program and gender on stress and coping strategies.