The Effectiveness of Humanistic Group Counseling Based on Unconditional Positive Regard in Reducing Academic Shame Among Junior High School Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17977/um065.v6.i5.2026.9Keywords:
Academic shame, Group counseling, Humanistic approach, Unconditional positive regardAbstract
This study aims to determine the effectiveness of group counseling services using a humanistic approach through the Unconditional Positive Regard technique in reducing academic shame among junior high school students. Academic shame is a negative academic emotion that appears when the students interpret failures or learning difficulties as a form of personal incompetence, so it leads low self-confidence, reducing learning motivation, and decreasing academic participation. This study used a quantitative experimental method with one group pretest and posttest design. The research subjects were 15 junior high school students with medium to high levels of academic shame. They are selected through purposive sampling. Data collection technique utilized the Academic Shame Scale, supplemented by observational and documentary data. Data analysis was conducted using a paired-sample t-test to assess differences in scores before and after the intervention. The results indicate that the implementation of group counseling services using a humanistic approach successfully created a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental group environment. The implementation of the Unconditional Positive Regard technique consistently helped the students felt accepted and appreciated, so they were more active to express their feelings and academic experiences. Positive changes were showed in the reduction of academic shame, the increase of self-confidence, the courage to express opinions, and the students’ engagements in the academic activities. Thus, Group Counseling Services based on a humanistic approach are effective in reducing academic shame, supporting emotional and academic development of the students.
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