PENGARUH KONSELING KELOMPOK DENGAN TEKNIK COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING TERHADAP PERILAKU NOMOPHOBIA PADA MAHASISWA PROGRAM STUDI BIMBINGAN DAN KONSELING UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MEDAN ANGKATAN 2024

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly increased smartphone use among university students. Although smartphones facilitate communication and access to information, excessive dependence may lead to nomophobia, defined as the fear or anxiety experienced when individuals are unable to access or use their smartphones. This condition has become increasingly prevalent among university students and may negatively affect academic concentration, emotional well-being, and social interaction. This study aimed to determine the effect of group counseling using the Cognitive Restructuring technique on reducing nomophobia among Guidance and Counseling students at Universitas Negeri Medan, Class of 2024. The study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method using a One Group Pretest–Posttest Design. The participants consisted of students identified as having moderate to high levels of nomophobia through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), which had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The findings indicated a significant decrease in nomophobia after the implementation of group counseling with Cognitive Restructuring. The Wilcoxon test revealed a significance value below 0.05, indicating that the intervention significantly reduced students' nomophobia. These findings suggest that Cognitive Restructuring implemented through group counseling is an effective intervention for modifying irrational beliefs regarding smartphone dependence and promoting healthier digital behavior among university students.

Keywords: Cognitive Restructuring, Group Counseling, Nomophobia, University Students