The Effect of Family Counseling Program on Anxiety and Conscious Awareness Levels (not)

The Effect of Family Counseling Program Applied to University Students With Future Anxiety on Anxiety and Conscious Awareness Levels

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Anxiety; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Awareness; Family Therapy
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Model-Based Family Counseling Program

Detailed Description

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.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 20
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey
  • Istanbul
    • Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey, 34360
      • IstanbulUC

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• The level of future anxiety is above 40 points

• No problems with speech, perception or hearing

  • The person or persons who will be included in the study from family members will be able to participate in the online session at the time required for counseling
  • The student will regularly participate in the interview sessions to be held

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
No Intervention: control group; no intervention
Experimental: experimental group; There were 6 face-to-face sessions with students for 50- 60 minutes/week, and 2 sessions with internet-based video programs with students' families. Cognitive Behavioral Model-Based Family Counseling Program was conducted. At least one parent was asked to participate in the family sessions. After the implementation of the intervention group was completed, the final tests of the scales used in the research were applied again to both the intervention and the control group. After the data of the study were collected, a focus group interview, one of the interview methods used in qualitative research on the effectiveness and organization of a Cognitive Behavioral Model-Based Family Counseling Program, was conducted for 5 students selected from the initiative group and the effectiveness of the program was evaluated.	Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Model-Based Family Counseling Program; A Cognitive Behavioral Model-Based Family Counseling Program is a therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors within the family unit, using principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance overall family functioning.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Reduction in Future Anxiety Levels	This measure assesses the change in future anxiety levels among university students participating in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based Family Counseling Program. The Future Anxiety Scale for University Students will be used to quantify this change. The scale ranges from a minimum score of 19 to a maximum score of 95. Higher scores indicate an increase in the level of future anxiety.	Baseline (at study start) and at 8 weeks post-intervention.
Improvement in Mindfulness Awareness Levels	This outcome measures the enhancement in mindfulness awareness levels as determined by the Turkish version of the Mindfulness Awareness Scale for Adolescents and Adults. Changes from baseline to post-intervention will be assessed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. The scale ranges from a minimum score of 18 to a maximum score of 90. Higher scores indicate an increase in the level of mindfulness awareness	Baseline (at study start) and at 8 weeks post-intervention.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (IUC)
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: merve geylani, MSc, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (IUC)

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 2, 2022
• Primary Completion (Actual): November 30, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): June 1, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 7, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 12, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): June 18, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 18, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 12, 2024
• Last Verified: June 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Anxiety Disorders
• Other Study ID Numbers: MGeylani

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No