This paper is published in Volume-4, Issue-4, 2018
Area
Psychology
Author
Meghna Singh
Org/Univ
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Pub. Date
05 July, 2018
Paper ID
V4I4-1161
Publisher
Keywords
Counseling, Adolescent anxiety, Intervention, CBT, Becks anxiety scale, Low SES, Counselling intervention

Citationsacebook

IEEE
Meghna Singh. Effectiveness of group counselling intervention in reducing adolescent anxiety of low socio economic strata, International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology, www.IJARIIT.com.

APA
Meghna Singh (2018). Effectiveness of group counselling intervention in reducing adolescent anxiety of low socio economic strata. International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology, 4(4) www.IJARIIT.com.

MLA
Meghna Singh. "Effectiveness of group counselling intervention in reducing adolescent anxiety of low socio economic strata." International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology 4.4 (2018). www.IJARIIT.com.

Abstract

Adolescence is a very critical and crucial age full of emotional, physical, mental and social challenges. Anxiety, depression, stress, substance Abuse etc. are few of the many psychological problems experienced by them. They require immense support and affection to get through this phase and enter into adulthood as normal, secure individuals. Counselling Intervention has been proven time and again to be effective in reducing psychological problems in the adolescent community. However, limited data exist on the effectiveness of interventions on the adolescent anxiety of low SES population. In fact, studies have established that low SES adolescent children show no or minimum levels of anxiety compared to their counterparts from higher SES. The objective of this study was hence to assess if Counselling Intervention is capable of reducing levels of anxiety along with honing the coping skills of adolescent children, from low Socio-Economic Strata (SES). Methods: To this effect, a group of 14 children (age group of 17 to 19) was assessed for Anxiety, using Becks Anxiety Inventory, counseling intervention sessions were held across the span of 2 months, the group was re-evaluated on anxiety post the sessions and conclusions were drawn. The children were counseled using a combination of behavioral techniques and therapies mostly verbal, to increase the coping skills of the children (group) to face their anxiety, cope with it and gradually overcome its impact. Becks Anxiety Inventory scale was used to measure the pre and post anxiety levels of the group. Results: The pre-screening resulted in overall anxiety score of (401) i.e. almost 93% of the group showed signs of moderate to high anxiety levels. 64% of the group responded they were severely ‘Unable to relax’ and ‘Nervous’. Overall, the group exhibited major signs of Social Phobia and General Anxiety. The post-screening of the group resulted in the overall score of 166 and 66% reduction in their anxiety levels. Conclusions: Adolescent children from low SES definitely have varied levels of anxiety but they are mostly unaware that they are anxious and that group interventions can definitely be effective in reducing their anxiety. Way Forward: The next step in this regard is to extend intervention to a larger sample from different backgrounds using advanced Anxiety Assessment tools and specific Counselling Techniques for its effectiveness. Comparative Studies using control groups shall be equally beneficial in reporting the effectiveness of counseling on anxiety.