Bisma The Journal of Counseling

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Assessment and Testing Practices among School and Practicing Counselors

2025-01-27T17:31:22+00:00

The focus of this study is the limited understanding of socio-demographic factors influencing assessment and testing practices among school counselors and other practicing counselors. This research aims to identify the socio-demographic variables that predict such practices. The study employed a quantitative approach with a survey design. The sample comprised 218 counselors selected through purposive sampling during the annual conference of a professional counseling association. Data were collected using an instrument titled “Socio-demographic Variables Predicting Assessment and Testing Practices of School and other Practising Counsellors Scale (SVPATPSPCNS),” developed based on an in-depth literature review. Data collection was conducted by the researcher and six research assistants. Data analysis utilized multiple regression methods to identify predictive variables. The results indicate that socio-demographic variables such as qualifications, experience, location, and training significantly influence counselors' assessment and testing practices. The findings emphasize the importance of adequate qualifications, sufficient experience, and participation in training and conferences to enhance counselors' competencies in assessment and testing practices. Key recommendations include the need for counselors to obtain relevant formal education, participate in empowerment training, and continuously improve their professional competencies through conferences and advanced training programs.

A Systematic Review of Personal Growth Initiative and Its Impact on Students' Psychological Well-Being

2025-01-27T17:30:00+00:00

Personal Growth Initiative (PGI) is a concept derived from positive psychology that plays an important role in students' development and their overall lives. However, until now, there has been no systematic review that specifically discusses the role of PGI in students' lives and offers recommendations for educational counselors regarding the development of PGI. Therefore, this study aims to review the role of PGI in students' lives and its implications for educational counselors through a systematic review method. The approach used is the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA) to collect and analyze data. Data were obtained from the Scopus database using the keywords "Personal Growth Initiative" in the article title and "students" in the title, abstract, and keywords, within the time frame of 2013 to 2023. Of the 80 articles found, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria and were discussed in this study. The results of the systematic review indicate that a high level of PGI in students contributes to increased work engagement, self-regulation, psychological well-being, help-seeking behavior for mental health, and a reduction in smartphone addiction risk. In addition, PGI also positively impacts life satisfaction, future happiness, and post-trauma growth. It can be concluded that educational counselors should develop PGI skills in students through structured interventions, such as Intentional Growth Training, to support vocational identity development, reduce post-traumatic stress, and improve students' psychological well-being.

Symbolic Modeling and Cultural Integration: A Strategy for Developing Prosocial Behavior in Adolescents

2025-01-27T17:29:04+00:00

The low level of prosocial behavior among junior high school students poses potential issues in social interactions, such as a lack of solidarity, indifference, and peer conflicts. This condition can also negatively impact academic success. This study aims to analyze the role of the cultural value suki toka apa in group counseling services using symbolic modeling techniques to enhance prosocial behavior among junior high school students. The research employed a quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group design. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, involving 71 eighth-grade students. The findings revealed that the application of group counseling with symbolic modeling techniques integrating the value of suki toka apa significantly improved students' prosocial behavior. This is evidenced by the Wilcoxon hypothesis test results, which showed a p-value of 0.022, smaller than the significance level (α = 0.05). Furthermore, the Mann-Whitney U Test, used to identify significant differences between the experimental and control groups, yielded a p-value of 0.005 (0.005 < 0.05), indicating that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted. In conclusion, integrating the value of suki toka apa into group counseling services with symbolic modeling techniques enables students to internalize and apply prosocial behavior more effectively, ultimately fostering solidarity and a sense of togetherness among them.

Gender Differences in Self-Harm Behavior Among University Students Victimized by Bullying

2025-01-27T17:28:30+00:00

The underlying issue of this study is the increasing prevalence of bullying as a concerning social problem in education, which negatively impacts victims, including a tendency toward self-harm behavior as a maladaptive coping mechanism. This research aims to describe self-harm behaviors among university students who are victims of bullying and to examine gender differences in these behaviors. The study employs a quantitative approach with a descriptive method. The sample comprises 261 university students who experienced bullying, selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI) and analyzed descriptively and comparatively. The findings reveal that 70.93% of students exhibit low levels of self-harm behavior. However, significant gender differences were observed, with female students showing higher levels of self-harm compared to male students. This study concludes that although the majority of students fall into the low self-harm category, the moderate category requires special attention, particularly among female students. Based on these findings, it is recommended that universities adopt strategic measures to prevent bullying through both preventive and curative approaches. The implementation of effective counseling services and intervention programs can be significant efforts to reduce the impacts of bullying and self-harm behaviors among students.

The Effectiveness of Group Counseling Services in Enhancing Social Support for Wives of Drug Offenders in Correctional Facilities

2025-01-27T17:27:11+00:00

The issue faced by the wives of drug offenders is the low level of social support, which can affect their psychological well-being. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of group counseling services in enhancing social support for the wives of drug offenders in correctional facilities. This research uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method and a time-series design (O1-O4 pretest and O5-O8 posttest) to measure changes in the level of social support. The subjects of the study were 10 wives of drug offenders. The research instrument was a social support checklist developed using the Likert scale model. Data collection was carried out by administering the instrument during the pretest and posttest, while data analysis was conducted using N-Gain and Wilcoxon tests. The results of the study indicate that group counseling services were moderately effective in increasing social support, with a positive N-Gain value. Furthermore, the Wilcoxon test showed a Z value of -2.805b and Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) of 0.005, which indicates that the alternative hypothesis is accepted. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the implementation of group counseling services is effective in increasing social support for the wives of drug offenders.

Digital Dilemma among Teenagers: Trend of Fear of Missing out at Vocational High School Level

2025-01-30T09:40:57+00:00

This study focuses on the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among adolescents, particularly in vocational high schools (SMK), which refers to the anxiety caused by the fear of missing out on information or trending events. The problem addressed in this research is how the phenomenon of FoMO affects the psychological well-being of adolescents in SMK. The aim of this study is to analyze the level of FoMO among SMK students and provide recommendations for interventions that can reduce its negative impact. The research method used is a survey design involving 203 students as the sample. Data were collected through the distribution of a questionnaire containing 10 questions designed to measure the level of FoMO. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to determine the distribution of FoMO levels among respondents. The main findings of the study show that the majority of students (63%) fall into the moderate category of FoMO, while 25% of students are in the low category and 12% fall into the high category. These findings indicate that although most students show a moderate level of FoMO, special attention needs to be given to students with high FoMO levels to prevent negative psychological impacts. The conclusion of this study is that it is crucial for educators and school counselors to design interventions that can reduce the anxiety caused by FoMO.

The Effectiveness of Six-Thinking Hats Group Counseling in Enhancing Students’ Problem-Solving Skills

2025-01-27T17:18:01+00:00

Problem-solving skills are among the essential soft skills required by students to address the challenges of today’s society. These skills not only help students make critical decisions but also foster the development of positive behavior. This study aims to analyze the impact of group counseling using the six-thinking hats method on students’ problem-solving skills. The research employed a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest-posttest experimental design. Data were obtained from pretest and posttest scores measured using a Problem-Solving Skills Questionnaire comprising 30 items. The study sample consisted of 9 students selected through purposive sampling techniques. Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon nonparametric statistical test. The results showed a Z-score of -2.668b and an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.008 (< 0.05), indicating a significant effect of group counseling based on the six-thinking hats method on improving students' problem-solving skills. These findings provide valuable contributions to guidance and counseling (GC) teachers seeking to enhance students’ problem-solving skills through innovative approaches. This research also opens avenues for further studies with larger sample sizes to improve the generalizability of the findings.

A Preventive Strategy Against Verbal Aggressive Behavior: Structured Learning Approach in Group Counseling

2025-01-27T17:17:09+00:00

Verbal aggressive behavior, including the use of harsh language, insults, threats, sarcasm, lying, slandering, and calling peers with undesirable nicknames, is a form of verbal violence commonly found in school environments. This behavior can cause negative impacts, such as discomfort, reduced self-confidence in victims, and disruptions in students' social interactions. If left unchecked, verbal aggressive behavior can escalate into more serious conflicts within the school environment, hindering the creation of a conducive learning atmosphere. Therefore, comprehensive preventive efforts through counseling services are necessary. This study aims to develop a group counseling guide based on a structured learning approach in the form of an e-book to prevent verbal aggressive behavior among junior high school students. The research employs the ADDIE development model, which consists of five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The development process involved validation by subject matter experts, media experts, and potential users, followed by an effectiveness test on students. The validation results indicate that the guide is highly valid, scoring well in terms of accuracy, usefulness, attractiveness, and ease of use. The effectiveness test shows that the guide has a positive impact in reducing students' tendencies to engage in verbal aggressive behavior. Therefore, the group counseling guide based on a structured learning approach in the form of an e-book is deemed an effective preventive strategy to create a safer and more harmonious school environment.

Bibliotherapy Uses Kinemaster in Increasing Teenage Happiness from Single Parent Family

2025-01-27T17:15:34+00:00

Divorce in Indonesia is currently increasing from year to year. Parental separation causes unhappiness in adolescents. Various pressures felt by adolescents have not been effective with conventional bibliotherapy to overcome it. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of bibliotherapy using Kinemaster in increasing the happiness of adolescents in single parent families. This study uses a quantitative method of the Quasi Experiment Design type with a pretest posttest control group design. The population of this study was 40 adolescents at MTsS Muhammadiyah Kurai Taji. The technique used in this study was purposive sampling, a sample of 20 adolescents with the same characteristics was taken and then divided into 10 adolescents for the experimental group and 10 adolescents for the control group. The research instrument used a Likert scale model. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon signed ranks test and Mann-Whitney. The results of the study showed that first, there was a significant difference in the happiness of adolescents in single parent families in the experimental group before and after undergoing bibliotherapy using Kinemaster. Second, there was a significant difference in the happiness of adolescents in single parent families in the control group before and after being given conventional bibliotherapy. Third, there is a significant difference in the happiness of single parent family teenagers in the experimental group who underwent bibliotherapy using Kinemaster with the control group who were given conventional bibliotherapy.

Psychological Well-Being Intervention for Underprivileged Students: Evidence from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Group Counseling

2025-01-27T17:14:54+00:00

Students from economically disadvantaged families often face challenges related to low psychological well-being, which can negatively impact their emotional welfare and social functioning. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of group counseling based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in enhancing the psychological well-being of students from underprivileged families. The research adopts a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design. The sample consists of 20 students with low psychological well-being, divided into an experimental group (10 students) and a control group (10 students). The sampling technique applied was purposive random sampling, and data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The findings reveal that group counseling with the REBT approach effectively improves students' psychological well-being. This effectiveness is evidenced by a significantly greater increase in psychological well-being scores in the experimental group compared to the control group. This study concludes that group counseling based on the REBT approach is an effective intervention strategy to enhance the psychological well-being of students from economically disadvantaged families.

School Counselors as Key Players in Enhancing Social Interaction Skills of Students with Down Syndrome

2025-01-27T17:13:56+00:00

This research focuses on the challenges faced by students with Down syndrome in developing effective social interaction skills, which are often influenced by environmental limitations and the suboptimal role of support systems in schools. The study aims to analyze the role of school counselors as consultants, transmitters, and initiators in supporting the development of social interactions in students with Down syndrome. A descriptive research method with a qualitative approach was employed. The research subjects included school counselors as primary subjects, and class teachers and parents of students with Down syndrome as secondary subjects. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies, and then analyzed using triangulation techniques through coding to ensure data validity. The findings indicate that the role of school counselors as consultants helps to provide strategic guidance to teachers and parents, the role as a transmitter function to convey relevant information and understanding about the students' needs, while the role as an initiator facilitates interactive activities that encourage the students' social skills. This study concludes that the role of school counselors is crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for the development of social interactions in students with Down syndrome, ultimately contributing to the improvement of their quality of life.

How Multicultural School Counselors Prepare Social–Emotional Development Program in Junior High School?

2025-01-27T17:12:01+00:00

This study is driven by the urgent need to develop social-emotional development programs in Indonesian junior high schools, considering the significant changes that occur during adolescence and the challenges faced in multicultural contexts. Effective social-emotional development programs can help students manage emotions, strengthen social relationships, and enhance their mental well-being in the school environment. The primary objective of this research is to explore how multicultural school counselors prepare social-emotional development programs that meet the needs of junior high school students. This study employs a survey method with a quantitative approach, involving 126 school counselors from various provinces in Indonesia as research subjects. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, utilizing instruments covering needs assessment, reference material development, and system support. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to identify patterns and trends in social-emotional program development in schools. The results indicate that most counselors use needs assessments as a basis for developing their programs and leverage various resources, including peer documents, digital media, and collaboration with the school community. The study concludes that a needs-based approach is crucial in developing social-emotional programs.

The Effectiveness of CBT-Based Group Counseling in Reducing Worry Among Victims of Verbal Bullying

2025-01-27T17:11:19+00:00

Worry experienced by victims of verbal bullying can negatively impact their mental health, productivity, and ability to carry out daily activities. This study aims to analyze the differences in worry levels among victims of verbal bullying before and after participating in group counseling services based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, the study seeks to examine the effectiveness of CBT-based group counseling in reducing worry among individuals who have experienced verbal bullying. This research employed a quantitative method with a one-group pretest-posttest experimental design, where only one group of participants served as the subject without a control group. Data were collected using a worry scale completed by participants before and after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using parametric statistical tests to identify significant changes in worry levels. The findings revealed a significant reduction in the worry levels of verbal bullying victims after participating in CBT-based group counseling. These results suggest that CBT approaches in group counseling services are effective in helping victims manage their perceived worry. Based on these findings, CBT-based group counseling services can be recommended as a practical and effective intervention for addressing the psychological impact of verbal bullying. Further research is recommended to explore the application of CBT in more diverse groups to enhance the generalizability of the findings.

The Effectiveness of Group Counseling in Modifying Inmates' Attitudes Toward Drugs

2025-01-27T17:10:21+00:00

The prevalence of drug abuse in Indonesia is increasing, particularly among women, raising concerns about its negative impact on health and social behavior. One significant factor influencing drug abuse is an individual's attitude toward drugs. A permissive or positive attitude toward drugs can heighten the risk of substance use. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of group counseling services in altering inmates' attitudes toward drugs. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a quasi-experimental method and a time-series design. The study involved nine inmates and one former drug-related inmate who participated in the group counseling sessions. Data were collected using an Attitude Toward Drugs Inventory developed based on the Likert scale. Data analysis techniques included the N-gain test to measure attitude improvement and the Wilcoxon test to assess the significance of differences before and after the intervention. The results indicated that group counseling services were moderately effective in changing inmates' attitudes toward drugs, with a Z-value of -2.810 and an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.005, confirming the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (Ha). Therefore, it can be concluded that group counseling services are an effective strategy for reducing inmates' permissive attitudes toward drugs, ultimately contributing to rehabilitation and drug prevention programs within correctional facilities.

Fostering Ethical and Adaptive Careers: Religious Values and Career Readiness in Generation Z

2025-01-27T17:32:53+00:00

Career adaptability is an essential competency for Generation Z students in addressing the challenges of a dynamic and uncertain labor market. This study aims to analyze the role of religious values in shaping the career adaptability of Generation Z students. Employing a descriptive phenomenological approach, the research explores students’ subjective experiences in integrating religious values, such as honesty, integrity, and gratitude, into the career adaptation process. Research data were collected through in-depth interviews with school counselors and students, as well as distributing instruments to vocational high school students representing Generation Z. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that religious values serve as moral pillars that provide direction, mental resilience, and confidence in making ethical and sustainable career decisions. Quantitative results using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test (Asymp. Sig. = 0.005) showed a significant improvement in the career adaptability of students in the experimental group. These findings were further supported by the Mann-Whitney U test (Asymp. Sig. = 0.020), confirming the effectiveness of integrating religious values into students' career readiness. Additionally, qualitative data revealed that experiential learning approaches positively contributed to students' psychological well-being. Students reported increased self-confidence, self-awareness, and stress management skills that support their readiness to navigate the dynamics of the labor market. This study underscores the importance of religious values in fostering adaptive, ethical, and sustainable career development among Generation Z students.

Improving Assertiveness in Preventing Sexual Harassment with Sumbang Duo Baleh Content Mastery in Elementary Education

2025-01-27T17:32:05+00:00

Sexual harassment among elementary school students is an issue that requires special attention, particularly in terms of raising awareness and assertive behavior to prevent such incidents. This study aims to analyze the improvement of assertive behavior in preventing sexual harassment among elementary school students using the mastery of content service sumbang duo baleh. The research method used is quantitative with an experimental approach. The design applied in this study is a quasi-experimental design. The sample consists of 30 students selected through purposive sampling, divided into 15 students in the experimental group and 15 in the control group, with low learning discipline. The data analysis techniques used include the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov 2 Independent Samples. The results indicate that the mastery of "sumbang duo baleh" content service is effective in improving students' assertive behavior in preventing sexual harassment. This is evidenced by a significant improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group. The conclusion of this study is that the sumbang duo baleh content mastery service can be implemented to improve students' assertive behavior in preventing sexual harassment, thus becoming an effective solution in elementary school education.