International Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy

The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Sudden Parental Death on Children’s Grief

Adaobi Jennifer Iloakasia — 2025-07-24

Background: The sudden death of a parent is a deeply traumatic event for children, often causing significant emotional and psychological disruptions that hinder their development and academic performance. Objective: This study investigated the psychological and emotional impacts of sudden parental death on children. Method: Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through the validated Sudden Parental Death Impact Assessment Questionnaire (SPDIQ), with high internal consistency (α = 0.85, 0.72, 0.81). SPSS v25 was used to analyze responses via descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Results: Findings showed that emotional shock, isolation, fear, and suicidal thoughts were among the most reported effects, along with depression and academic decline. Moderate, statistically significant correlations existed between sudden parental death and both emotional and psychological distress. Conclusion: The study confirms that sudden parental death has a measurable and distressing impact on children, irrespective of the background of the supporting counselor. Contribution: This research contributes empirical evidence to child grief literature by quantifying the emotional and psychological effects of sudden bereavement while also challenging prevailing assumptions about counselor effectiveness.

Self-Efficacy as a Predictor of Resilience in Adolescents: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

Ghazal Moin — 2025-10-17

Background: As an internal factor, self-efficacy is expected to influence the level of mental resilience in adolescents, particularly in managing the stress and pressure they face in academic and social environments. Objective: This study aims to provide deeper insight into the role of self-efficacy in supporting resilience in adolescents. Method: This study uses the Systematic Literature Review method by collecting 12 references from studies published between 2017 and 2023. The review process was conducted using a meta-synthesis approach, which allowed researchers to identify, assess, and interpret findings from various studies relevant to the research topic to answer the questions set beforehand. Result: The results of the literature analysis show a positive correlation between self-efficacy and resilience in adolescents. Adolescents with high levels of self-efficacy tend to have better abilities in facing academic, social, and emotional challenges. This study also reveals that self-efficacy plays an important role in increasing mental resilience and helping adolescents more effectively overcome their problems. Conclusion: Self-efficacy plays a significant role in shaping resilience in adolescents. Adolescents with high confidence in their abilities can better cope with difficulties and persevere in stressful situations. Contribution: This study contributes to enriching the understanding of the role of self-efficacy as a factor that supports resilience in adolescents.

The Concept of Emotions in Islamic Counseling: A Thematic Analysis of Fear, Anger, Sadness, and Shame According to the Qur'an and Hadith

Evi Zuhara — 2025-08-25

Objective: Emotions are an important aspect of human life that affect psychological and spiritual well-being. In Islamic counseling, understanding how to manage emotions according to Islamic teachings is expected to help individuals deal with various emotional challenges. Objective: This study aims to identify how Islam teaches the management of these emotions and provide practical guidance for counselors in providing Islamic-based counseling services. Method: The method used is Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The collected data were analysed thematically to explore the understanding of emotion management in Islamic teachings and its relevance in counseling practice. Result: Islam provides clear guidance in managing emotions: fear as a form of submission to Allah, anger that must be controlled through patience and forgiveness, sadness that is accepted with calmness and hope, and shame as a motivator for good behaviour. These concepts provide a strong foundation for a more holistic Islamic counseling approach, which integrates spiritual and psychological aspects in overcoming emotional problems. Conclusion: Emotional management in Islam significantly contributes to a more religion-based counseling approach and can be applied to improve individual well-being. Contribution: The main contribution of this study is as a practical guide for Islamic counselors, as well as introducing an approach that incorporates religious values in dealing with emotional problems. In addition, this study also encourages further development in the field of Islamic psychology, particularly in managing emotions in accordance with religious teachings.

Mr. Ganjar Roso's Traditional Therapy Based on Cultural and Religious Values from a Cross-Cultural Counseling Perspective

Talitha Laksmi Adibah — 2025-09-18

Background: In a multicultural society like Indonesia, traditional medicine based on cultural and religious values plays a significant role as an alternative and complement to modern medical treatment. Objective: This study aims to describe the traditional therapy by Mr. Ganjar Roso in Banyumas, Central Java, from the perspective of cross-cultural counseling. Method: The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using data collection techniques such as direct interviews and documentation from the YouTube channel "Ganjars Ngaji Roso." This method allows for an in-depth exploration of the therapeutic practices and their underlying cultural and spiritual values. Result: The findings reveal that Mr. Ganjar's therapy extends beyond physical healing to encompass psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects. His healing methods include sirasa (spiritual sensitivity), ilmu sabdo (prayers/mantras), and kasunyatan (spiritual silence), which are combined with Islamic practices such as dzikir, shalawat, and the recitation of Al-Fatihah. These practices reflect a holistic approach to counseling that integrates both spiritual and cultural dimensions. Conclusion: Mr. Ganjar's therapy can be viewed as a form of counseling that is holistic, contextual, and deeply aligned with the local cultural and religious values. This approach emphasises the importance of integrating local wisdom and spirituality in the healing process, making it a relevant model for cross-cultural counseling. Contribution: This research contributes valuable insights into how traditional healing practices based on cultural and religious values can serve as an effective alternative in cross-cultural counseling contexts.

Support Services for Survivors of Extramarital Affairs: Lessons for Social Workers and Child Rights Advocates

Yahya Muhammed Bah — 2025-09-17

Background: Extramarital affairs remain a pervasive phenomenon across societies, with far-reaching negative socio-economic and political consequences for couples, children, and communities. Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review the range of support services required by survivors of extramarital affairs and to synthesise knowledge that can inspire effective interventions. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using multiple sources, including Google Scholar and other academic databases. Only peer-reviewed articles published after 2000 were included, except for seminal works providing essential conceptual foundations. In addition, publications from established international organisations with longstanding engagement in this area were critically appraised. Result: The findings indicate that survivors require diverse forms of support, such as disclosure, education and awareness programs, behavioural therapy, poverty and inequality alleviation, healthcare services, social welfare interventions, relationship satisfaction initiatives, group therapy, and counselling. Conclusion: This study concludes that holistic and multi-sectoral support services are essential to mitigate the long-term impacts of extramarital affairs. Contribution: The contribution of this review lies in consolidating fragmented knowledge, providing a comprehensive understanding of survivor needs, and offering evidence-based insights that can guide social workers, healthcare providers, and policymakers in designing effective interventions.

Psychological Well-being of Early Adolescents from Divorced Families: The Role and Necessity of Family Counseling Therapy

Romina A. Danguilan — 2025-10-19

Background: Parental divorce significantly impacts the psychological well-being of early adolescents, often leading to emotional instability and strained relationships. Despite existing research, the effects on their mental health across various dimensions remain underexplored. Objective: This study aims to describe the psychological well-being of early adolescents from families with a history of broken homes. Method: The research method used in this study is a case study, conducted in 2024. The study involved four subjects, and data were collected through interviews and observations. Data analysis followed the interactive analysis model proposed by Miles and Huberman, and data validation was conducted through triangulation and credibility tests in two stages. Result: The results showed that early adolescent individuals who experienced parental divorce in the past exhibited diverse outcomes across each dimension of psychological well-being. Conclusion: This study offers valuable insights into how early adolescents from broken-home families experience varying levels of psychological well-being across different dimensions. Contribution: This research serves as a source of knowledge about the psychological conditions of early adolescents from broken-home families, highlighting the varied effects of parental divorce on their psychological well-being.