Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral based counselling and mindfulness on behavioral problems and academic performance among school adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental phase marked by significant psychological, emotional, and social changes. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety, and depression, which can adversely affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Cognitive behavioral-based counseling and mindfulness interventions are two therapeutic approaches that have shown in mitigating these problems. newlineAim: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral-based counseling, and mindfulness interventions, and their combination in addressing behavioral problems and enhancing academic performance among school adolescents. newlineMethods: The study employed a pair-matched group Pre-test, Post-test, Quasi-Experimental design involving 240 adolescents aged 12 and 18, recruited from seven different Schools. Participants were assigned to one of four groups: cognitive behavioral-based counseling, mindfulness, combined cognitive behavioral-based counseling and mindfulness, and a control. newlineAnalysis: Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize the sample characteristics and outcome measures. Inferential statistics, including t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA, were employed to compare behavioral problems and academic performance changes across the four groups. newlineResults: The analysis revealed that the combined cognitive behavioral-based counseling and mindfulness group exhibited the most significant reductions in behavioral problems and the most remarkable improvements in academic performance compared to the other groups. newlineConclusion: The findings of this study suggest that integrating cognitive behavioral-based counseling and mindfulness interventions, both individually and in combination, can effectively reduce behavioral problems and enhance academic performance among adolescents. These results support the implementation of such comprehensive programs in schools to better support the developmental needs of young individuals.