Is REBT Useful for Reducing Adolescents' Career Decision Difficulties and Distress? A Randomized Trial.

The article evaluates the effectiveness of a six-session Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) career intervention program compared to a Regular career course in reducing career decision-making difficulties and emotional distress among Romanian 11th-grade high school students. Both interventions significantly decreased career decision-making difficulties immediately post-intervention and at a six-month follow-up, with no significant difference between the two groups in this regard. However, the REBT-enhanced program showed greater long-term reductions in worry, irrational beliefs, emotional distress, and negative dysfunctional emotions compared to the Regular course. The study suggests that integrating REBT techniques into career counseling may better address adolescents’ emotional and cognitive challenges during career decision-making, offering a group-friendly, theory-based approach applicable in school settings.