J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2018 Nov;24(4):443-452. 10.5977/jkasne.2018.24.4.443.

Effects of a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Counseling Program on Self-efficacy and Adjustment to College Life for Nursing Freshmen

• Lee K
• Kim M

• KMID: 2427591
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2018.24.4.443

Abstract

PURPOSE
This purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) counseling program on self-efficacy and adjustment to college life for nursing freshmen.
METHODS
This study used a nonequivalent control pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Thirty-eight new nursing students were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=18) or a control group (n=20) recruited from a four-year nursing college. An REBT counseling program was composed of 8 group sessions of orientation, understanding the theory of REBT, finding irrational beliefs, internalizing rational beliefs, and closing over a duration of 5 weeks. The duration of each session was 90 minutes. Self-efficacy and adjustment to school life were measured by the Sherer's Self-Efficacy Scale and Baker & Siryk's Student Adjustment to College before and after the REBT counseling program. Data were analyzed using t-tests and paired t-tests.
RESULTS
The experimental group showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy compared to the control group. There was no significant change in college life adjustment between the experimental and control groups.
CONCLUSION
An REBT counseling program could be applied as an effective program in enhancing self-efficacy resulting in positive and goal-oriented behavior for new nursing students in college.

Keyword

Cognitive therapy; Self efficacy; Nursing Education

MeSH Terms

Behavior Therapy*
Cognitive Therapy
Counseling*
Education, Nursing
Humans
Nursing*
Self Efficacy
Students, Nursing