An investigation of the role of the group counseling program based on emotion efficacy therapy on the level of emotion efficacy and mental health among emerging adults

The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of the group counseling program based on Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET) on the level of emotion efficacy and mental health among emerging adults. Accordingly, the present study consisted of two phases. As there was no valid and reliable measurement tool to measure emotion efficacy, the Emotion Efficacy Scale – 2 (EES2; West, 2018) was adapted into Turkish as part of the first phase of the study. A total of 763 university students aged between 18-29 participated in this phase of the present study. The findings revealed a one-factor solution; and the 8-item scale was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used by emotion regulation researchers and mental health professionals. In the second phase of the study, a group counseling program based on EET was carried out with 16 university students aged between 18-29. In order to determine the role of the program on the level of emotion efficacy and mental health among the emerging adults, a 2x3 experimental design with two groups (e.g., experimental and control) and three measurements (e.g., pretest, posttest, and follow-up) was used. An 8-session group counseling program based on EET was carried out with the experimental group. The control group did not receive any treatment. According to the results, the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group on level of emotion efficacy at posttest and follow-up. Moreover, the experimental group scored significantly lower than the control group on level of depression, anxiety, and stress at posttest and follow-up. Additionally, the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group on level of emotional, social, and psychological well-being at posttest. However, this effect lasted only for emotional and psychological well-being at follow-up. The findings are discussed in accordance with the relevant literature.