Cognitive counselling intervention: treatment effectiveness in an Italian university centre. Issue 4 (7th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Strepparava, Maria Grazia; Bani, Marco; Zorzi, Federico; Corrias, Deborah; Dolce, Rossella; Rezzonico, Giorgio
• Is Part Of: British journal of guidance & counselling. Volume 44:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 433
• Publication Date: 2016-08-07
• Subjects: University counselling -- cognitive-relational approach -- effectiveness -- reappraisal; Educational counseling -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Vocational guidance -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 371.4
• DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2015.1110561
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-9885

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Offering counselling to students is increasingly considered as a key academic service. However, the reduction of resources allocated to Italian universities emphasises the need to assess the quality of interventions. This paper presents data reporting the effectiveness of a university counselling service. A sample of 45 undergraduate students completed a cognitive-relational intervention at a counselling service in a University in the North of Italy. The project focused on the development of reappraisal skills and problem-solving strategies to manage difficult situations. The results showed a significant pre and post-intervention reduction in self-reported psychopathological symptoms (measured with Symptoms Check List 90-Revised) as well as in general levels of distress (measured with Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure). A significant increase in reappraisal levels, measured with the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, was observed, which is a focal element of the counselling intervention. There were no detectable changes in the level of suppression.