Effectiveness of CBT-Based Group Counseling in Reducing Self-Harm Among Adolescents from Broken Homes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Ragil Setyorini; Yeni Karneli; Nurfarhanah Nurfarhanah; Zadrian Ardi

doi:10.35445/alishlah.v18i2.9747

Effectiveness of CBT-Based Group Counseling in Reducing Self-Harm Among Adolescents from Broken Homes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Ragil Setyorini, Yeni Karneli, Nurfarhanah Nurfarhanah, Zadrian Ardi

Abstract

Adolescent self-harm is a serious mental health concern, particularly among students from broken-home families who often experience emotional distress, insecure attachment, and limited support systems. This study examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based group counseling in reducing self-harm tendencies among adolescents from broken-home backgrounds. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design with pretest and posttest measurements was employed. The participants were 22 Grade X students at SMK N 2 Batam who met the inclusion criteria for self-harm tendencies and broken-home family background. They were divided into an experimental group (n = 11) receiving five sessions of CBT-based group counseling and a control group (n = 11) receiving conventional counseling. Data were collected using a validated self-harm tendency questionnaire with excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = .952) and analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. The results showed a significant reduction in self-harm scores in the experimental group after the intervention (Z = -2.93, p = .003), while the control group showed no significant change (Z = -0.82, p = .414). The between-group comparison also indicated a significant difference in gain scores (U = 12.00, p = .004). These findings suggest that CBT-based group counseling may help reduce self-harm tendencies by supporting cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, adaptive coping, and peer-based emotional support among vulnerable adolescents.

Keywords

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Group Counseling; Self-Harm; Broken Home; Adolescents

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v18i2.9747