Effectiveness of CBT-Based Group Counseling in Reducing Culture Shock Among College Students

Dhita Azhari Ramadhan; Bau Ratu; Dhevy Puswiartika; Ikhlas Rasido

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i2.1735

Authors

Dhita Azhari Ramadhan Universitas Tadulako
Bau Ratu Universitas Tadulako
Dhevy Puswiartika Universitas Tadulako
Ikhlas Rasido Universitas Tadulako

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i2.1735

Keywords:

CBT Group Counseling , College Students , Culture Shock , Pre-Experimental Design , Student Adaptation

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based group counseling in reducing culture shock among college students. A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was employed. The participants were 12 students selected through purposive sampling based on moderate to high levels of culture shock. Data were collected using a culture shock questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.885 and analyzed with the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results showed a significant decrease in culture shock after the intervention, with Z = -3.061 and p = 0.002 (< 0.05). All participants experienced lower scores, and the effect size of r = 0.88 indicated a large effect. These findings confirm that CBT-based group counseling is effective in helping students reduce culture shock through cognitive restructuring, peer support, and the development of adaptive behaviors. The intervention has practical potential for counseling services in higher education to support first-year students’ adjustment, well-being, and academic engagement.

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Author Biographies

Dhita Azhari Ramadhan, Universitas Tadulako

She was born in Solonsa Jaya on November 1, 2003. She is currently an active undergraduate student in the Guidance and Counseling Study Program at Tadulako University (UNTAD).

Bau Ratu, Universitas Tadulako

She was born in Bulukumba on May 21, 1974. She is currently working as a lecturer in the Guidance and Counseling Study Program at Tadulako University (UNTAD). She earned her bachelor’s degree at Tadulako University in 2003, then completed her master’s degree at Semarang State University in 2012, and her doctoral degree at the Indonesian University of Education in 2022.

Dhevy Puswiartika, Universitas Tadulako

She was born in Pulang Pisau on October 6, 1980. She is currently a lecturer in the Guidance and Counseling Study Program at Tadulako University (UNTAD). She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Soegijapranata Catholic University in 2003 and 2013, respectively, and earned her doctoral degree from Padjadjaran University in 2020.

Ikhlas Rasido, Universitas Tadulako

He was born in Palu on October 9, 1976. He is currently working as a lecturer in the Guidance and Counseling Study Program at Tadulako University (UNTAD). He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of 17 August 1945 Surabaya in 2003, then completed his master’s degree at Airlangga University in 2017, and his doctoral degree at Hasanuddin University in 2024.

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