The effectiveness of Cochran's career narrative therapy on psychological distress and work hope among high school students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Career Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Higher Education Center of Eghlid, Eghlid, Iran

10.48308/jcoc.2025.238970.1466

Abstract

Career choice is a significant and enduring concern for students. Making informed decisions about one's career path requires a thorough understanding of oneself and one's abilities. Inappropriate or uninformed choices in education and career can lead to a loss of work hope and negative emotions such as stress and anxiety.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Cochran's Career Narrative Therapy intervention in reducing psychological distress and enhancing work hope among high school students.

Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test control group design. The population consisted of all high school students both girls and boys in Isfahan during the 2023-2024 academic year. A non-probability convenience sample of 30 students was randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 students each). The experimental group received seven weekly sessions of Cochran's Career Narrative Therapy. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the work hope questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software and covariance analysis.

Results: Results indicated that Cochran's Career Narrative Therapy intervention significantly reduced psychological distress and increased work hope in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .05).

Conclusion: Based on these findings, Cochran's Career Narrative Therapy is an effective intervention for increasing work hope and reducing psychological distress in

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Main Subjects

Career and Organizational Counseling
Volume 16, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 95-118

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