THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of CBT for the management of low self-esteem among adolescents.

Place and duration of the Study: Karachi Pakistan, January 2020-January 2021

Sample and Method: In a quasi-experimental design, convenient sample of 8 adolescents (females: n= 5 & males: n =3), aged 13-18 years (M= 15.25, SD= 1.489) willing to take sessions to resolve self-esteem issues. Four participants (male; n=2, female: n=2) were placed in experimental group and rests of 4 (male; n=1, female: n=3) were placed in waiting list control group having random gender distribution. Experimental group were given CBT treatment plan of 6 sessions individually, using an adapted CBT manual by Simmons and Griffith (2009). After the intervention was completed, paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test were utilized for analysis of difference between pre-post test scores of both experimental and control groups.

Results and Conclusion: Findings of the study indicated significant improvement (p< 0.05) in self-esteem after CBT sessions among adolescents. There was also significant difference (p< 0.05) observed in self-esteem between experimental and control group. The results of the study highlighted the effectiveness of CBT in managing low self-esteem among adolescents. Clinical psychologists who are engaged to improve the self-esteem of adolescents can opt for CBT interventions.