The Effect of Family Counseling Program 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.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Awareness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Family Therapy Mental Disorders

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

IstanbulUC

Şişli, Istanbul, 34360, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Cognitive Behavioral Model-Based Family Counseling Program

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

Reduction in Future Anxiety Levels

Time frame: Baseline (at study start) and at 8 weeks post-intervention.

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.
Improvement in Mindfulness Awareness Levels

Time frame: Baseline (at study start) and at 8 weeks post-intervention.

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

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Acronym: not

Important dates

Study start: 2022
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Jun 18, 2024
Registry last updated: Jun 18, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed