The Effect of Family Counseling Program on Anxiety and Conscious Awareness Levels

Overview

This study investigates the effect of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based Family Counseling Program on the anxiety and mindfulness levels of university students experiencing future anxiety. The research highlights the significance of university education in career development, noting the associated biopsychosocial challenges faced by students. These challenges often manifest as future anxiety-a condition characterized by fear, uncertainty, and stress about future prospects, which can impact students' academic performance, social relationships, and overall mental health. Literature reveals that interventions like CBT, mindfulness practices, and family counseling are effective in managing anxiety and enhancing emotional resilience. The program integrates these approaches to provide dual-layer support, addressing individual thought patterns and family dynamics, thus potentially reducing anxiety and increasing mindfulness among students. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the program's effectiveness in a controlled setting, contributing to both national and international literature on mental health interventions.

This research was conducted as a pre-test, post-test randomized controlled study to determine the effects of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based Family Counseling Program on anxiety and mindfulness levels in university students experiencing future anxiety. The study collected data from 20 students, divided equally between 10 participants in the intervention group and 10 in the control group. Data were gathered using a Personal Characteristics Form, the Future Anxiety Scale for University Students, and the Turkish version of the Mindfulness Awareness Scale for Adolescents and Adults. The intervention group participated in an online CBT-based Family Counseling Program, which was conducted weekly for 8 weeks, each session lasting between 50-60 minutes. For the first 6 weeks, the sessions included only the students, while the last two weeks also involved family members' participation. No intervention was applied to the control group. Both groups were assessed with the aforementioned scales before the intervention and after its conclusion. This study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of integrating family dynamics into therapeutic practices for reducing anxiety and enhancing mindfulness among students.