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Dec 6, 2023
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Effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on Stress Management and Irrational Beliefs of
Special Education Teachers in Nigerian Elementary Schools
Anna Blackwell
University of West Alabama
Abstract
Developed in 1955 by Albert Ellis, Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy (REBT) theory
teaches that the largest majority of emotional and mental turmoil individuals face, is caused by
the individual’s own thoughts[ CITATION Cor19 \l 1033 ]. Utilizing REBT, individuals are
taught to face their own thoughts by questioning their unhelpful thoughts. The goal of this study
was to uncover how an REBT intervention effected the irrational belief systems, and stress levels
of special education teachers in Nigerian elementary schools[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ].
Eighty-six special education teachers across southeastern Nigeria were randomly selected to
participate in this study, with the group as a whole being split into a control group who received
no REBT treatment, and the group who would receive REBT[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ]. Both
of these groups met twice a week for a period of twelve weeks, and then again once a week for
two weeks as a follow-up[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ].
At the end of the study, it was revealed that the group of teachers who were given access to
REBT showed a decrease in stress levels, compared to those who were given no type of
intervention[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ].
The main limitation of this study as a whole, in my opinion, is that with the control group which
received no therapeutic intervention of any type, it is only natural that there wouldn’t be a
decline in their stress levels. If a study like this were to be conducted in the future, I would
recommend that there be a smaller group taken from the control group which received a different
type of therapy, rather than there just be a control group receiving NO therapy, and the main
group which is receiving the therapy.
Researchers in this study chose the population of teachers who work with children with special
needs, mainly due to the fact that this population deals with very unique and personalized
stressors, including the children’s hyperactivity, temper tantrums, and hyperactivity[ CITATION
Onu18 \l 1033 ]. They are also uniquely challenged in that, on top of dealing with the children’s
personalities and potential meltdowns, they are required to educate them as well, which is
another stressor; their workload[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ].
The researchers chose to use REBT in this study because of the techniques ability to have the
participants question their own irrational thoughts and begin thinking more rationally and
positively[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ]. After the Teacher Stress Questionnaire and Teacher
Irrational Belief Scale was utilized by the researchers, 86 teachers were chosen to participate in
the study, and were then separated into a control group which did not receive any therapeutic
services, and a therapy group which received REBT therapy twice a week, for 90 minutes, for
twelve weeks[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ]. During the sessions, cognitive techniques were used
by the researchers through arguing against the participant’s irrational thoughts, assigning
homework, reframing, and others[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ]. Emotional techniques were also
used and included role playing, shame attacking exercises, and rational emotional
imagery[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ]. Some of the behavioral techniques utilized by the
researchers included distraction techniques, self management, and relaxation[ CITATION Onu18
\l 1033 ].
As stated above, the results of the study revealed that the teachers in the therapy group had lower
levels of stress, and fewer moments of irrational belief when compared to the control group, after
the 12 week time period[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ].
The main limitation of this study revolves around the control group, and how they received no
therapy whatsoever. Had they split the groups into three sections, a control, an REBT group, and
another group which received a different type of therapy, this study could be more accurately
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trusted to reveal the accuracy and effectiveness of REBT techniques compared to other
types[ CITATION Onu18 \l 1033 ].
Critique
The group dynamics as a whole were not discussed in this article, and as such there is not much
that I can comment on when it comes to the personal group dynamics. However, when discussing
the shame attacking exercises which were presented to the therapy group, I was able to gain an
insight into the group dynamics. In shame attacking exercises, the individuals in the group are
given the opportunity to verbally attack their own fear of being ridiculed, and together, they are
able to overcome their own fear and shame[ CITATION Cor19 \l 1033 ]. This also gives a great
insight into the study group’s dynamics, even though we were not directly told about them. It
tells us that the individuals in the study were more than likely eventually comfortable enough
with one another, and their group leader (the researchers) to be able to let go of any feelings of
shame they once had.
What are the Therapeutic Factors and how they Contribute to Group Effectiveness?
Self actualization is the main factor when it comes to REBT, and it is able to be effective in a
group setting because it challenges the individual’s (or participant’s) irrational belief system,
which is the main source of their own fears and stress. In challenging these fears, the participants
are able to find a balance, and realize their own potential and happiness[ CITATION Cor19 \l
1033 ].
Characteristics and Functions of Effective Group Leaders
An effective REBT group leader is able to interact with the participants on an emotional level,
are very active and engaging, will respond to questions about their private lives, and they are
active in giving their personal opinion when prompted [ CITATION Cor19 \l 1033 ]. These group
leaders are responsible for showing the participants that their irrational thoughts are not the end
all be all, and that they are the only person who is capable of changing the irrational thoughts is
themselves[ CITATION Cor19 \l 1033 ].
How Does this Benefit New Counselors
The technique of REBT is extremely interesting, and important when it comes to the world of
counseling as a whole, especially for counselors who are just entering the field. The belief that
YOU are the only person capable of stopping your own irrational thoughts and beliefs, and that
you cannot continue to blame yourself or others for the things which occur in your life. You must
take accountability and learn to attack the feelings of inadequacy if you are ever going to succeed
and experience true happiness[ CITATION Cor19 \l 1033 ].
Contributions to the Field of Counseling
This study in itself shows that REBT is better than no therapy at all, which is beneficial for the
field of counseling, as it shows that counseling and therapy as a whole have a positive impact on
those who are suffering from stress irrational thoughts. However, the study’s limitations make it
almost impossible for it to have any real contribution to the field of counseling on a large scale.
Future Research
I believe that this study has a great deal of potential when it comes to future research, as if
researchers ever decide to revisit this study, all they would need to do is split the group into three
groups and add a second method of therapy. If this is applied, then the potential contributions to
the field of counseling could be great.
Limitations
Limitations
I enjoyed reading this article, and learning about this study, especially given that it was based in
another country, and one which we usually do not hear about in regards to therapy and
psychological. My only issue with it, was the same one that the researchers themselves had in the
end. The limitations when it came to the control group were too great for this study to be
considered an accurate study, which shows the effectiveness of REBT therapy. Had the
researchers split the groups into three groups, as opposed to two, and had the third group undergo
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another technique such as Alderian (Individualistic) therapy, and then compared the two therapy
groups, it would have been a much more effective study.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed this study, and I am excited to see if this study is ever revisited, as I do
believe that REBT therapy is an incredibly beneficial and valid type of therapy which can be
utilized in a great deal of different populations. Had the researchers in this initial study simply
added a third control group, then there would not be a serious limitation to the study that would
call its effectiveness into question, and as such, would show the counseling world the true
benefits of REBT when it comes to addressing stress and irrational behavior/thoughts.
In my future as a counselor, I plan on utilizing REBT, and have come to realize that I use these
techniques on a near daily basis in my career as a mental health case manager, and also with my
own friends (and myself). The benefits of addressing your own irrational behavior and thoughts
head on, is immense and cannot be overstated.
References
Corey, G. (2019).
Theories and Practice of Group Counseling (9th Edition).
Cengage.
Onuigbo, L. N. (2018). Effect of rational emotive behavior therapy on stress management and irrational
beliefs of special education teachers in Nigerian elementary schools.
Medicine
, 37. Retrieved
from https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000012191
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