The efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy intervention in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Alina Schenk; Cosmin Octavian Popa; Peter Olah; Nicoleta Suciu; Cristiana Cojocaru

doi:10.2478/amma-2020-0027

Alina Schenk Save the Children Mures Branch
Cosmin Octavian Popa George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology from Tirgu Mures
Peter Olah George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology from Tirgu Mures
Nicoleta Suciu George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology from Tirgu Mures
Cristiana Cojocaru Braun Dialysis Centre, Sighișoara, Mureș County, Romania

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2020-0027

Keywords: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Irrational Beliefs (IB), Rational Beliefs, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Abstract

Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the anxiety disorders which presents excessive anxiety and worries as central elements that are difficult to control in many situations or activities. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is one of the most important orientations among psychological intervention in the psychotherapy field. This approach is based on a transdiagnostic perspective. Additionally, this therapy has a strong research foundation especially in the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression.

Objective: The present study aims to establish the efficacy of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy in medical students who are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.

Method: The sample of this study consisted of N = 40 first-year medical students (33 women and 7 men) and the average age for the entire group was Mage= 19.22, SD= 1.04. Each student participated at eight therapy sessions. The level of anxiety and irrational beliefs were measured at pre-intervention and post-intervention using psychological questionnaires.

Results: Our findings indicate a statistically significant difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention phase for the level of anxiety with a value of t = 20.31, df =78, P < 0.001, for irrational cognitions with t = 2.44, df =78, P < 0.05, for irrational beliefs with t = 3.45, df =77, P < 0.01, as well as low frustration tolerance with t = 2.57, df =77, P < 0.05 and awfulizing specifically.

Conclusion: The Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy intervention is an extremely efficient psychological treatment for improving emotional functioning in medical students.