Effectiveness of group rational-emotive-behavior education on reducing identity crisis and increasing happiness among male adolescents in boarding school dormitory

Adolescent stage is important step for mental and social development. Identity crisis in this stage can lead to psychological problems in adolescents. The aim of present study is effectiveness of group education in rational, emotional and behavioral method on reducing identity crisis and increasing happiness among the male adolescents in boarding school dormitory. In this semi-experimental study with pre test and post test design, statistical population of was all of male adolescents in dormitory school in Torbat-e-Heidariyeh city during 2011-2012. The sample included 24 students that were chosen by convenient sampling method, and were randomly allocated in two groups: experimental (12 persons) or control group (12 persons). The experimental group received rational, emotional, behavioral education during 9 sessions (every session about 90 minutes) and the control group received life skills education during 8 sessions. Data were collected by happiness oxford questionnaire and Ahmadie,s personal identity questionnaire. To analyze data T test for independent groups and SPSS version 12 were used. The results showed that group education with rational emotional-behavioral method causes a significant decrease in identity crisis (P=0.002) and significant increase in happiness (P=0.001). It seems that the elements of rational-emotional-behavior education enable students to identify and depute with irrational believes and as a result, provide an opportunity for decreasing identity crisis and increasing happiness. Thus, couples, relationship may improve over the course of the treatment.