EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY AND RATIONAL EMOTIVE THERAPY IN REDUCING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENT VICTIMS OF BULLYING

Bullying among adolescents has been widely recognized as a significant factor contributing to mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. This study investigates the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) in reducing anxiety and depression among inschool adolescent victims of bullying. A survey research design was employed, involving a sample of 100 secondary school students who had experienced bullying. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring levels of anxiety and depression before and after therapy sessions. The study employed statistical analyses such as descriptive statistics and t-tests to compare the impact of CBT and RET. Hypotheses were tested to determine the statistical significance of the interventions. Findings revealed that both therapeutic approaches significantly reduced anxiety and depression, with CBT demonstrating a more immediate effect on anxiety reduction, while RET proved to have a long-term impact on self-esteem and emotional resilience. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on adolescent mental health interventions and underscores the importance of integrating CBT and RET into school counseling programs to mitigate the psychological effects of bullying Keywords: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, Bullying, Adolescents