The efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy-based journaling to improve adolescent mental health

Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are global health problems that affect millions of people, including adolescents aged 15 to 24 years. Adolescents are vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and bullying, which can trigger mental disorders. Journaling is an effective method to overcome mental disorders by helping individuals manage their thoughts, reduce stress, and find solutions to problems they face. A preliminary study at MAN 2 Bekasi City identified two students from two different classes who were diagnosed with mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, in the past year, which affected their attendance and academic grades. This study aims to analyse the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based journaling on students’ mental health. Quantitative research was conducted using a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-post-test approach on 104 students, employing non-probability sampling. This research was conducted from July 2024 to February 2025. The journaling intervention consisted of five meetings, concluding with a post-test, and the data were analysed using the Wilcoxon test. The researcher administered the same questionnaire as a post-test to the same respondents at the last meeting, serving as an evaluation of the respondents’ mental health levels. After the data were collected, the researcher selected a random sample and then processed and analysed the data accordingly. The results showed a significant difference in students’ mental health before and after the intervention, with a P value of 0.017 (<α value of 0.05). These results demonstrate that CBT-based Journaling has a positive effect on improving adolescent mental health at MAN 2 Bekasi City in 2024. CBT-based Journaling can be recommended as an intervention strategy to support adolescent mental health.