Group Counseling Research Articles

Relationship of anxiety and depression with smoking cessation treatments: a follow-up study

ABSTRACT Background Smoking is known to be closely associated with a stress levels and anxiety. In this study, the effects of smoking cessation treatments were investigated on anxiety/depression. Methods Socio-demographic characteristics The Fagerström/Test/Nicotine/Dependence, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale were applied at first time. The first group received “varenicline+counseling,” second group “bupropion+counseling,” and third group “counseling only.” The HAD scores were recorded in quit smokers. Anxiety and depression scores were compared between groups and between smokers and ex-smokers in the first and sixth month. Results Firstly, The HAD scores revealed that anxiety was present in 46.8%, depression in 11.2%, anxiety and/or depression in 48.9%. A significant decrease in both anxiety and depression scores was observed in quit smokers at 6 months (47.9% and 37.4%, respectively) (p < .001). At the sixth month, there was a significant decrease in anxiety scores in the varenicline and bupropion groups. In addition, a significant decrease in the depression score was observed in the varenicline group. In the bupropion group, the smoking cessation rate was higher in those with high anxiety and/or depression scores (66.7%). Conclusions Varenicline decreased anxiety/or depression scores in both smokers and quit smokers, whereas quit smoking rate increased in those with anxiety/depression in the bupropion.

A university-based counseling program for perpetrators of family violence in Greece: initial evidence

Abstract Penal mediation is defined in Greek Law 3500/2006 and aims at repairing the harm caused to the victim of family violence and rebuild family relationships. Mediation process starts upon victims’ unreserved consent and perpetrators’ willingness to stop further acts of violence, attend a counseling program and restore any harm/damage caused to the victim. Then the prosecutor ceases the case for 3 years and refers the perpetrator to counseling. If any of the previous conditions are violated during this period the criminal procedure continues at the stage before mediation. A university lab in Crete, Greece (LaHeRS, HMU) offers one of the few in Greece perpetrators’ behavior change programs in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office. LaHeRS counseling program consists of a minimum of 24 sessions per offender based on an individual or group approach. Emphasis is placed on perceptions of power and control, anger management, trauma management, emotional expression, and social/communication skills. Each perpetrator is offered 2 sessions (intake/violence documentation and assessment of individual/couples’ needs), 2-3 sessions for psychiatric and risk assessment, 12-15 individual or group counseling sessions (combined with couples’ sessions, as necessary), 2-4 individual social support sessions. Sessions are conducted by trained psychologists and social workers. The current presentation reports on the Intimate partner violence (IPV) cases referred between February 2022 and December 2023. A total of 70 IPV cases attended the program (male n = 65; mean age 43.4; Greek n = 56; urban residence n = 49; children average=1.92). Physical violence was reported in 54 cases and verbal aggression in 43 cases. Four perpetrators had mental health problems and 6 were identified with some form of drug and alcohol misuse. Lack of communication and emotional skills, lack of parent emotional support, gender roles stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes were common among perpetrators. Key messages • It is important for perpetrators’ programs to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior to promote positive changes in perpetrators’ lives. • Effective penal mediation programs require collaboration and partnership between justice agencies, academia and community organizations.

Gambaran Kecenderungan Perilaku Self Injury pada Siswa SMP

This research is motivated by the phenomenon of junior high school students who have difficulty channeling negative emotions when facing problems. Self-injury behavior will have a negative impact on students, therefore students are expected to be able to carry out positive activities to vent their negative emotions. The objectives of this study are (1) to describe the tendency of students' self-injury behavior, (2) to describe the tendency of students' self-injury behavior from the environmental dimension, (3) to describe the tendency of students' self-injury behavior from the biological dimension, (4) to describe the tendency of students' self-injury behavior from the cognitive dimension, (5) to describe the tendency of students' self-injury behavior from the affective dimension and (6) to describe the tendency of students' self-injury behavior from the behavioral dimension. The method used is quantitative descriptive, with a sample of 49 students and the instrument used is a self-injury behavior tendency instrument with a Likert scale. The results of the study showed that: (1) the tendency of self-injury behavior in students as a whole is in the moderate category (56.44%), (2) the tendency of self-injury behavior in students from the environmental dimension is in the moderate category (55.10%), (3) the tendency of self-injury behavior in students from the biological dimension is in the moderate category (61.22%), (4) the tendency of self-injury behavior in students from the cognitive dimension is in the low category (48.98%), (5) the tendency of self-injury behavior in students from the affective dimension is in the moderate category (42.86%) and (6) the tendency of self-injury behavior in students from the behavioral dimension is in the moderate category (46.94%). Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that guidance and counseling teachers provide services to reduce the tendency of self-injury behavior in students in the form of information services, individual counseling services, group counseling services and group guidance services.

Long-Term Effectiveness of a Quitline for Smoking Cessation: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Plain Language SummarySmoking is a major global health problem, causing many preventable deaths and disabilities each year. Telephone counselling is a recommended method to help people quit smoking because it provides accessible support. This study examined the long-term effectiveness of the national German Smokers Quitline. Daily smokers who wanted to quit smoking were divided into two groups. One group received up to six phone calls from the national German Smokers Quitline, the other group received a self-help brochure. We measured how many participants stopped smoking for at least 7 days 12 months after the start of the intervention (7-day point prevalence of abstinence). We assessed long-term cigarette and tobacco abstinence, i.e., how many participants abstained from cigarettes/tobacco for a period of 9 months after the start of the intervention. We also examined the use of other cessation aids. A total of 905 participants took part in the study. The telephone counselling group had higher rates of long-term cigarette (31.7% vs. 17.8%) and tobacco abstinence (30.8% vs. 15.2%) compared to the other group. The odds of quitting were significantly higher in the telephone counselling group. However, the 7-day point prevalence of abstinence did not differ between the groups. Many participants used additional cessation aids, with e-cigarettes being the most common. In conclusion, telephone counselling provided by the national German Smokers Quitline is effective in helping people quit smoking long term. Increasing its awareness could improve smoking cessation rates in Germany. Counselling should include information about the risks and benefits of new nicotine consumer products.

The Effect of Solution-Focused Group Counseling on Emotional Eating Levels in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Emotional eating is a risk factor for obesity. It should be recognized and prevented at an early stage. The randomised control trial study aimed to determine the effect of internet-based solution-focused short-term group counseling on emotional eating levels in nursing students. Sixty students were assigned to the experimental and control groups by simple random sampling method. Those in the experimental group received of solution-focused counseling, and those in the control group received of healthy nutrition training. The data analysed by chi-square test, paired sample t test, groups t-test and repeated groups Anova test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found between the pre-test, post-test and follow-up test body mass indexes of those in the experimental group (p < .05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the group's pre- and post-test emotional eating scores (p < .05), and no statistically significant difference was found between their Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale scores (p > .05). The short-term solution-focused approach was found to be effective in reducing the emotional eating levels of students.

Impact of Small Group Counseling and Family Support on Increasing Complete Basic Immunization (CBI) Coverage at Siak Health Center

Complete Basic Immunization (CBI) is a crucial public health goal at the Siak Health Center. In recent years, the coverage has decreased from 48% in 2022 to 45.9% in 2023, necessitating effective interventions. This study assesses the impact of small group counseling and family support on increasing CBI coverage. The methodology involves direct small-group sessions and ongoing family visits in informal settings. Counseling materials were supported with visual aids to improve knowledge among mothers about the importance of immunization. Results indicate a positive response from participants, highlighting increased understanding and motivation. This study underscores the need for continuous counseling and monitoring to ensure higher immunization rates.

Intervention on Optimism of Junior High School Students: Positive Psychology Class Group Counseling

Intervention on Optimism of Junior High School Students: Positive Psychology Class Group Counseling

Effectiveness of group counselling on psychological capital intervention for kindergarten teachers in rural China

Effectiveness of group counselling on psychological capital intervention for kindergarten teachers in rural China

Nursing Care and Ethical Challenges in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressures on healthcare systems across the globe, with nurses playing a pivotal role in managing patient care during this crisis. As front-line caregivers, nurses were not only responsible for delivering essential medical care but also found themselves navigating a series of ethical challenges that were often fraught with complexity. This review delves into the multifaceted role of nursing during the pandemic, focusing on both the clinical care provided and the significant ethical dilemmas faced by nurses. One of the most pressing ethical challenges was the allocation of scarce medical resources. The surge in COVID-19 cases led to critical shortages of ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other medical supplies. Nurses, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, were forced to make difficult decisions regarding which patients would receive these limited resources, raising profound ethical concerns about fairness and equity in healthcare. The review highlights the need for transparent, consistent decision-making frameworks that prioritize justice and equity. Such frameworks help ensure that resource allocation is guided by ethical principles rather than subjective judgments, thus fostering a fairer and more consistent approach to patient care. Another significant ethical issue addressed in this review is the balance between personal safety and professional duty. Nurses were often placed in situations where they had to weigh their commitment to patient care against the risks posed to their own health, particularly when faced with shortages of adequate PPE. This balancing act between personal safety and professional obligation introduced ethical dilemmas, such as the extent to which nurses were adequately informed of the risks they faced and whether healthcare institutions fulfilled their responsibility to provide a safe working environment. The review underscores the importance of developing robust infection control measures and ensuring the continuous supply of PPE to safeguard the health and well-being of healthcare workers. Patient autonomy and consent were also critical concerns during the pandemic. The urgency of care for critically ill COVID-19 patients, combined with isolation protocols that restricted family involvement, made it challenging to uphold patients' decision-making rights. The review explores how informed consent processes were affected by the rapid progression of illness and the necessity for immediate medical interventions, often with limited patient or family input. This issue further underscores the need for ethical guidelines that protect patient rights while ensuring timely and effective care. The psychological impact of the pandemic on nurses is another key focus of this review. Nurses faced not only physical exhaustion from long hours of work but also significant emotional strain from witnessing high mortality rates and making difficult ethical decisions. The review emphasizes the need for mental health resources, such as counseling and support groups, to help nurses cope with the emotional toll of their work. Addressing issues such as moral injury, compassion fatigue, and burnout is essential to maintaining a resilient nursing workforce. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive examination of the ethical challenges faced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the critical need for clear ethical guidelines, transparent resource allocation frameworks, protective measures, and mental health support systems. The lessons learned from this pandemic are invaluable for shaping future responses to global health crises, ensuring that nurses and other healthcare professionals are better equipped to navigate the ethical complexities of emergency care.

Does Online Social Support Affect the Eating Behaviors of Polish Women with Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance, a key factor in developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, is linked to various health conditions. The basis of its treatment is lifestyle modification. However, adherence to nutritional and other medical recommendations can be challenging for chronic disease patients due to many factors, including demographics, social context, gender, age, and the patient's baseline health condition. This study aims to evaluate the impact of online support group members on the diet quality of women with insulin resistance. This study was conducted as an online survey consisting of KomPAN (validated food frequency questionnaire) augmented with questions regarding using professional counseling and membership in support groups. The study covered 1565 women with insulin resistance, 1011 of whom were associated with the online support group. The mean pHDI (pro-health diet index) was 5.18 ± 2.69 in the support groups and 4.86 ± 2.69 in the control group (p = 0.0319. There were no significant differences in the nHDI (non-health diet index). We found that the pHDI is associated with financial situations, the household's situation, occupation education level, and medical or dietitian care, whereas occupation, medical, and dietitian care affect the nHDI. Membership in support groups is related to a higher pHDI and state of self-assessment of nutritional knowledge. Our study indicates a relationship between participation in online support groups and dietary behaviors and the subjective assessment of nutrition knowledge. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms behind these influences and exploring how these communities can be optimized for broader public health initiatives.

초등학생의 자기자비 증진을 위한 집단상담 프로그램 개발 및 효과 검증

Objectives This study was to develop a group counseling program to promote self-compassion for elementary school students. Methods According to a single-purpose experimental design, a total of 16 people, 8 in the experimental group (EG) and 8 in the control group (CG), were recruited from 3rd to 4th grade elementary schools in J Island. A pre-test was conducted on them to measure self-compassion scale. For the EG, a post-test was conducted after a total of 6 sessions of 40 minutes, twice a week. For the CG, no action was taken while the experimental group was operating, and a post-test was conducted simultaneously with the EG. Results The homogeneity between the two groups was verified in the pretest. The post-test between the two groups showed that the experimental group's level of self-compassion was statistically significantly higher. Conclusions The group counseling program to promote self-compassion in this study focused on sensory play and experiential activities that take into account the developmental characteristics of elementary school students. This program was differentiated from previous studies by composing the program using various materials such as humanistic images, meditation music, and videos appropriate to the topic of each session, and the effect of promoting self-compassion in elementary school students was verified. The results of this study are expected to contribute to providing a basis for research and group counseling program development to promote self-compassion in elementary school students.

어린이집 교사의 의사소통능력향상을 위한 TCIT기반 집단상담 프로그램 개발

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop a group counseling program based on Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy (TCIT) to enhance the communication skills of early childhood daycare center teachers and to verify its effectiveness. Methods The needs of 215 early childhood daycare center teachers nationwide were surveyed, and the program was designed based on the ADDIE model. The designed program was applied to the experimental group, and its effects were analyzed by comparing it with a comparison group and a control group using the Communication Ability Scale (Fritz et al., 1999). Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0, and qualitative analysis was performed using session feedback reports, comprehensive feedback reports, and participants’ application logs from the experimental and comparison groups. Results For the development of the program, directions for the design, as well as the purpose and objectives of the program, were established. Subsequently, session-specific activity goals, content, and operation strategies were designed. The final program was completed through an expert validation process. When the final program was applied to the experimental group, the overall scores and sub-factor scores of the communication scale for the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the comparison group and the control group. In particular, qualitative analysis revealed that the sub-factors of memory, concentration, comprehension and interpretation, response, and analysis and evaluation improved among participants in the experimental group. Conclusions This study developed and applied a TCIT-based group counseling program, verifying its effectiveness in enhancing the communication skills of ealry childhood daycare center teachers. By demonstrating greater effectiveness compared to a comparison program (TA), the study highlights the potential applicability of this program in practical settings. Given the notable lack of effective programs aimed at improving the communication skills of preschool teachers, this study significantly increases the potential for future utilization of the developed program.

Perbedaan Kematangan Emosi Siswa Berdasarkan Keutuhan Keluarga

This research was motivated by the fact that there were students SMA who were unable to control their emotions and channel them well, where students who, when emotional, immediately expressed their emotions without thinking about the consequences of these actions, apart from that, there were students who harbored feelings of anger so they experienced severe and excessive stress. This condition can trigger problems such as learning difficulties and deviant behavior. One of the influencing factors is the family environment. The objectives of this research are: (1) Describe the emotional maturity of students raised in intact families (2) Describe the emotional maturity of students raised in incomplete families (3) Describe the emotional maturity of students raised in intact families and non-intact families based on aspects ( 4) Test whether there is a significant difference between the emotional maturity of students raised by intact families and non-intact families. This research uses quantitative methods with a comparative study approach. The population in the study were students in class XII students 143 students, with the sample size being 112 students raised in intact families and 31 students raised in incomplete families, the sampling technique was total sampling technique. The instrument used in this research is an emotional maturity instrument with a Likert mode scale. The data analysis techniques used are descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing with the help of SPSS 20. The findings of this research show that: (1) The emotional maturity of students based on intact families is in the medium category, most students are able to manage emotions well. (2) The emotional maturity of students based on incomplete families is in the medium category, most students are able to manage emotions well. (3) There is a significant difference between the emotional maturity of students from intact families and students from non-intact families. This means that family integrity can also influence emotional maturity, where the emotional maturity of students from intact families is better than from non-intact families. Based on the results of this research, counselors can provide assistance to students through information services, individual counseling services and group counseling services.

Gambaran Prokrastinasi Akademik Mahasiswa dan Implikasinya dalam Pelayanan Konseling

This research is motivated by the existence of academic procrastination that occurs among students. Students carry out high academic procrastination because students do not have the ability to manage their time well and prefer to do more enjoyable tasks than completing tasks. This study aims to describe the academic procrastination of curriculum and educational technology students and its effectiveness in counseling services. This type of research is quantitative research with a descriptive method. The population in this study was 436 students with a research sample of 209 students of the Curriculum &amp; Educational Technology Department who were active in lectures in the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 classes of the 2024/2025 academic year. The sampling technique for this study used the Proportional Stratified Random Sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through the use of instruments using a Likert scale, namely using academic procrastination instruments for students. The results of this study indicate that: (1) the level of academic procrastination of students majoring in curriculum and educational technology as a whole is in the moderate category. (2) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of being stuck in starting and completing tasks is in the moderate category. (3) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of being late in completing tasks is in the moderate category. (4) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of time discrepancies between plans and actual performance is in the moderate category. (5) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of doing more enjoyable activities is in the moderate category. Based on the results of this research, counselors can provide assistance to students to reduce the level of academic procrastination of students in the form of: information services, individual counseling services, group guidance services and group counseling services.

Etika Profesi Bimbingan dan Konseling: Asas Kerahasiaan Dalam Konseling Kelompok

The purpose of this research is to discuss the role of ethics in the guidance and counseling profession, especially the principle of confidentiality in the group counseling process. This research method uses a literature review which examines several scientific articles resulting from previous research. The results of this research indicate that counselors have an ethical obligation to explain the importance of confidentiality during group counseling. The importance of implementing the principle of confidentiality in the implementation of counseling guidance because the success of counseling guidance depends on implementing the principle of confidentiality. This concept demands openness between the counselor and counselor as well as confidentiality of the client's problems.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Group Counselling to Reduce the Level of Stress Related to Psychosocial Issues and to Promote Coping Strategies among the Transgender, Northeastern India

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Group Counselling to Reduce the Level of Stress Related to Psychosocial Issues and to Promote Coping Strategies among the Transgender, Northeastern India

An Exploration of the Role of Group Counseling in Enhancing the Psychological Well-Being of College Students

In contemporary society, university students grapple with multifaceted pressures stemming from academics, daily life, and interpersonal relationships, rendering mental health issues an ever-more paramount social concern. Group counseling, as a collective psychological intervention, holds significant potential in enhancing students' psychological well-being. This study delves into how specific measures, such as augmenting social support, fostering self-awareness, and honing emotional management skills through group counseling, can effectively ameliorate students' psychological states. Concurrently, it outlines a comprehensive set of implementation recommendations. These measures not only equip students with enhanced resilience to navigate academic and life challenges but also cultivate deeper, more positive thinking patterns and an optimistic disposition. By instituting regular assessments and feedback mechanisms on the efficacy of group counseling, the guiding framework can be continuously refined, thereby ensuring a sustained elevation in psychological well-being.

Pulmonary and Cardiac Smoking-Related History Improves Abstinence Rates in an Urban, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Patient Population.

Tobacco use continues to take the lives of many, and targeted interventions can counter this health burden. One possible target population is patients who have had a smoking-related diagnosis, as they may have a greater drive to quit. To assess whether patients with previous cardiac or pulmonary conditions directly attributable to smoking have greater rates of abstinence post-discharge from hospitalization in the CHART-NY trial. CHART-NY was a randomized comparative effectiveness trial comparing a more intensive versus a less intensive smoking cessation intervention after hospital discharge. We divided the 1618 CHART-NY participants into a smoking-related history group of 597 and a nonsmoking-related history group of 1021 based on cardiac or pulmonary conditions in a retrospective chart review. We conducted chi-squared analyses on baseline characteristics. Using follow-up survey data, we conducted chi-squared analyses on abstinence outcomes and made logistic regression models for the predictive value of smoking-related conditions on abstinence. A total of 1059 and 1084 participants in CHART-NY who completed both 2- and 6-month follow-up surveys respectively. Self-reported 30-day abstinence at 2- and 6-month follow-up and survey data for baseline characteristics. Those abstinent at 6-month follow-up were more likely to have a smoking-attributable history (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.81). When stratified based on intervention, only the intensive counseling group was significant (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.08-2.17). The regression model using a smoking-related comorbidity score was significant at 6months (OR = 1.29, p = 0.03), and the multivariate logistic regression model analyzing each smoking-related condition separately demonstrated significance for myocardial infarction at 6months (OR = 1.66, p = 0.03). People who smoke who have experienced smoking-related conditions may be more likely to benefit from smoking cessation interventions, especially intensive telephone-based counseling. Multiple conditions had an additive effect in predicting long-term abstinence after intervention, and myocardial infarction had the greatest predictive value.

단기 마음챙김기반 집단상담이 마음챙김과 스트레스에 미치는 영향

This study aimed to examine the effects of short-term mindfulness-based group counseling on mindfulness and stress. To achieve this, a short-term mindfulness-based group counseling program was conducted for the general public, and its effects on mindfulness and stress were investigated. Participants were recruited from the Busan area, and a total of 17 individuals participated in the experiment. Among them, 8 were assigned to the experimental group, while 9 were assigned to the control group. The participants in the experimental group underwent short-term mindfulness-based group counseling for five weeks, with one session per week, each lasting two hours. For data collection, a pre-test was conducted before the group counseling for both the experimental and control groups, followed by a post-test after the counseling, and a follow-up test five weeks after the completion of the group counseling. To measure changes in mindfulness, Park Seong-hyun's mindfulness scale was used, and to measure changes in stress, the psychosocial stress scale was employed. The collected data were analyzed using the generalized estimating equations, a non-parametric statistical method. The results showed that while the changes in mindfulness due to the short-term mindfulness-based group counseling were not significant, there was a significant improvement in stress levels. Finally, implications of the findings were presented.

제주 농촌 노인의 자아통합감 증진을 위한 회상기법 기반 집단상담 프로그램 개발

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a reminiscence-based group counseling program to enhance ego integrity in elderly individuals living in rural areas of Jeju. The program sought to improve participants' psychological well-being and quality of life through reflective practices. Methods: For this study, an eight-session program was developed using reminiscence-based media, including salt, clay, and collage. The program encouraged participants to reflect on their life experiences, promoting emotional expression and introspection. Data were collected through participant feedback and psychological assessments before and after the intervention. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in ego integrity among the participants. Enhanced psychological stability and social integration were observed as a result of the supportive environment created in the group counseling sessions. Conclusions: Participants benefited from the program by fostering a greater sense of ego integrity, emotional well-being, and social support. The findings suggest that reminiscence-based group counseling can significantly contribute to the psychological health of rural elderly populations. Future studies should explore its long-term effects and broader applicability across diverse demographics.