Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of reality therapy group counseling programs to improve self-esteem in adolescents

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a reality therapy group counseling program for improving self-esteem in adolescents through meta-analysis. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis by selecting 16 papers that verified the effectiveness of a reality therapy group counseling program for improving self-esteem in adolescents published in Korea from 2000 to September 2024, and the data were analyzed using the meta package of the R program. Results As a result of verifying the effectiveness of a reality therapy group counseling program for improving self-esteem in adolescents through meta-analysis, first, the overall effect size was 1.18, showing a large effect size. Second, by subfactor, general self-esteem, social self-esteem, and school self-esteem showed a medium effect size, and family self-esteem showed a small effect size. Third, the effect size according to the moderating variable showed a large effect in the male student group and when the program was conducted more than 3 times a week, and the longer the total number of sessions, the higher the effectiveness aspect tended to be. Conclusions By clarifying the reliability and effectiveness of a reality therapy group counseling program to improve self-esteem in adolescents, we were able to confirm the consistency between the theoretical basis and practical effectiveness.