The Effect of Happiness Training on Irrational Beliefs of Female Adolescents under the Surveillance of Welfare Organization.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of happiness training and applying Fordyce cognitive-behavioral approach, on irrational beliefs of female adolescents under the Surveillance of Zahedan Welfare Organization. The study followed a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with a control group. 24 female adolescents under the Surveillance of Welfare Organization were selected using simple random sampling method and were assigned randomly into an experimental and a control group (each including 12 people). Measurement tool was Jones’ Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of Fordyce happiness training for two months and the control group did not receive such intervention. The results of analysis of covariance indicated a significant reduction in the overall mean of irrational beliefs score. It seems that the Fordyce happiness training was effective in reducing irrational beliefs of female adolescents under the Surveillance of Zahedan Welfare Organization. The subscales of irrational beliefs, including high self-expectations, blame proneness, emotional irresponsibility, anxious over concern, and helplessness for change were all lower after the training sessions.

Keywords

• happiness training
• irrational beliefs
• adolescent under the surveillance of welfare organization