Evaluating the Effect of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workshop on Psychological Distress,Coping Strategies,and Grit Among Primary School Students in Klang Valley,Malaysia

Abstract

Early life experiences play a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional and psychological development, influencing their self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and ability to regulate stress. Primary school-aged children are particularly vulnerable, as they have limited control over their environment while being increasingly exposed to challenges such as family conflict, peer difficulties, and academic pressure. Without appropriate support, they may adopt maladaptive coping strategies in response to psychological distress. Although mental health issues among children are gaining recognition, access to effective support remains limited due to stigma, financial constraints, and a lack of resources. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT) workshop on psychological distress, coping strategies, and grit among primary school students in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The study adopted a randomized quasi-experimental design with random selection and allocation of 7 schools to either intervention or wait-list groups, and three quantitative measures were used at two time points to assess the outcomes. Analysis indicated significant intervention effects on Anxiety [F (1, 1092) = 4.32, p = .038], Coping Strategies (Active) [F (1, 1092) = 14.87, p < .001], and Grit [F (1, 1092) = 10.20, p = .001].

Plain Language Summary

Mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and low motivation can affect how children feel, behave, and perform in school. Without appropriate support, children may struggle to express their emotions effectively, often turning to unhealthy coping strategies to manage their distress. Although some families and schools are aware of these challenges, limited resources, financial difficulties, and the stigma surrounding mental health continue to prevent many children in Malaysia from getting the help they need. These ongoing issues can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem, create social difficulties, and increase the risk of developing more serious psychological problems later in life. This study explored whether a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT) workshop could help primary school students improve their coping skills and emotional resilience. The research involved 1,094 students aged 9 to 12 years from primary schools in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Students were divided into two groups: one group attended a Brief CBT workshop, while the other continued with their usual school activities. The workshop taught simple and practical strategies for managing stress, handling negative thoughts, and regulating emotions. All students completed surveys before and after the workshop to measure their levels of psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depression), coping strategies, and grit (the ability to stay motivated and persistent when facing challenges). The findings showed that students who attended the Brief CBT workshop had lower anxiety levels, used more active coping strategies, and displayed higher levels of grit. These results highlight the preventive potential of the Brief CBT workshop, demonstrating that even brief mental health programs can equip students with essential emotional skills before problems become more serious. Integrating such programs into schools can strengthen early intervention efforts, support mental health literacy, and foster a more resilient student population.