The comparative effect of internet-based cognitive behavioral counseling versus face to face cognitive behavioral counseling in terms of student’s resilience

Abstract

This randomized, controlled trial experimental study aimed at comparing the effect of cognitive behavioral counseling between online (Internet-based) and more traditional face-to-face counseling methods. The study is based on 90 students of second-grade level, in junior high schools in Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia, who were invited to be participants of this study. Each participant was assigned randomly into three groups with different conditions; 30 students followed a traditional eight, 55-minute cognitive behavioral group counseling track (face to face counseling); 30 students followed Internet-based cognitive behavioral counseling; and 30 students were in a “waiting-list” control category. The data was gathered by using the 14 items Indonesian version of the psychological subscale, Resilience Youth Development Module, Junior High School. The data was then analyzed using the Repeated Measures ANOVA. The results of this study show that: (1) the students’ resilience in attending both counseling groups was significantly increasing from pretest to posttest, and included evaluation in follow up testing; (2) after all counseling sessions, and five weeks after counseling the students in both groups, data indicates a higher resilience than the waiting-list control group; and (3) there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral counseling and face-to-face. The result of this study is discussed in the framework of the online method of counseling, to promote the students’ mental health and resilience.