The Effect of Group Counseling Using Ellis's A-B-C Technique on Irrational Beliefs and Self-Efficacy About Breast Self-Awareness of Women Health Volunteers.

Abstract

This preliminary pilot effort assessed the effect of group counseling using A-B-C technique on irrational beliefs and self-efficacy for women health volunteers (WHVs) in breast self-awareness. In this randomized controlled trial, 40 WHVs from three health centers (Abhar, Iran) were randomly allocated into two groups. Seven weekly group counseling sessions were held for the intervention group. Data about cancer fatalism belief, dissatisfaction of body, anxiety, and self-efficacy were collected through validated questionnaires 1 month before and 2 weeks after the intervention. Mean scores of anxiety ( p = .036), body dissatisfaction ( p = .002), cancer fatalism belief ( p ≤ .0001), and self-efficacy ( p ≤ .0001) were improved in the intervention group compared with control group. Group counseling using A-B-C technique was effective in improving irrational beliefs and self-efficacy of the WHVs about breast self-awareness. The findings may help in further development of strategies and cultural programs to improve health-related irrational beliefs.