The Effect of Group Counseling Using Behavioral Rehearsal Technique on Students’ Social Skills

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by significant biological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. During this period, students are required to develop adequate social skills to interact effectively with peers and adapt to the school environment. However, low social skills often lead to psychosocial problems such as low self-confidence, social anxiety, and difficulties in communication. Schools play a strategic role in facilitating students’ social and emotional development through systematic guidance and counseling services. One intervention that has been widely implemented is group counseling using the behavioral rehearsal technique. This study aims to examine the influence of group counseling with the behavioral rehearsal technique on improving students’ social skills through a systematic literature review approach. The method employed is a library research design by analyzing and synthesizing findings from relevant national and international studies in the field of guidance and counseling. Behavioral rehearsal is understood as a structured behavioral training technique that allows students to practice adaptive social behaviors through simulated situations in a safe and controlled environment. The results of the literature analysis indicate that group counseling with behavioral rehearsal consistently shows a positive effect on improving students’ social skills, including communication, assertiveness, cooperation, and self-confidence. This study contributes theoretically by strengthening the conceptual framework of behavioral rehearsal in group counseling and practically by providing evidence-based references for school counselors in designing effective social skills interventions.