Is REBT Useful for Reducing Adolescents’ Career Decision Difficulties and Distress? A Randomized Trial

Abstract

The present study examined the efficacy of a 6-session Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) career intervention program for high school students in reducing career decision-making difficulties and emotional distress. Nine classes of 11th graders in two Romanian public high schools ( N = 233) were randomly assigned to a REBT career intervention and a Regular career course. The data were collected in three waves: before and after the interventions and at a 6-month follow-up. Career decision-making difficulties decreased in both intervention groups post-intervention and at the 6-month follow-up. Worry and irrational beliefs decreased more in the REBT group at the 6-month follow-up. Emotional distress and negative dysfunctional emotions decreased in the REBT group both post-intervention and at the 6-month follow-up, but they increased in the Regular group. The Discussion explores factors that may contribute to the decreased career decision-making difficulties in both groups and the benefits of the REBT career intervention.