A Systematic Literature Review: The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Addressing Stress Among University Students

Despite the growing recognition of mental health challenges among university students, the effectiveness and adaptability of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in these settings, particularly in terms of diverse delivery methods and their impact on outcomes, remains underexplored. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) rigorously evaluates the efficacy of CBT in reducing stress among university students, utilizing the PRISMA 2020 framework. The review analyzes 27 carefully selected articles, focusing on objective analysis, diverse delivery methods, session and treatment duration, various CBT interventions, and the applied skills and strategies. The findings confirm CBT as an exceptionally effective stress management tool, noted for its adaptability and versatility. The study underscores the importance of online CBT and emphasizes the need for interventions tailored to the diverse needs of students, enhancing their mental well-being. In light of these findings, future research should investigate the mediators and moderators that affect the effectiveness of CBT, assess the long-term impact on academic and mental health outcomes, and explore the sustainability of these interventions. This study contributes to CBT’s theoretical and practical understanding in higher education settings. It lays the groundwork for future explorations to optimize mental health interventions for university students.