THE EFFECT OF GROUP COUNSELING ON FUTURE ANXIETY AMONG CHINESE VOCATIONAL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of group counseling in reducing future anxiety among Chinese vocational students. Future anxiety, defined as apprehension about unfavorable future changes, significantly affects vocational students facing societal stigma and career uncertainty. Using a quantitative experimental design, 12 participants from Botou Vocational Education Center were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=6) and control (n=6) groups. The experimental group received 8 sessions integrating Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory, and Existential Psychology, addressing academic, career, and life dimensions. Future anxiety was measured using adapted Zaleski's scale. Results showed a significant reduction in the experimental group's anxiety (M=3.97 to M=1.82, p.05). Post-intervention comparison revealed significant differences (p-