Urwatul Wutsqo
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2025): Sociocultural Islamic Education

Application of Group Counselling With the Cognitive Reappraisal Technique to Enhance Empathy Among Students

Siti Nurhaliza Muda (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Yenti Arsini (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Empathy is an essential skill in building healthy social relationships; however, in early adolescence, this ability is still developing and requires environmental support. This study aims to enhance students’ empathy through group counselling using the cognitive reappraisal technique at MTs IS Roudhotul Qurro. The research employed a qualitative case study approach involving eight Year VII students who demonstrated tendencies of low empathy in social interactions. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analysed using the Miles and Huberman model. The intervention was implemented over five progressive sessions, ranging from trust-building to the application of reappraisal in social simulations. The findings revealed a gradual increase in empathy, both during sessions and in daily life, including greater social engagement, communication initiative, and concern for peers. Follow-up monitoring also confirmed positive behavioural changes among the students. These findings demonstrate that the cognitive reappraisal technique is effective in enhancing students’ empathy both cognitively and affectively.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

UrwatulWutsqo

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education

Description

Focus: Urwatul Wutsqo focuses to provide readers with best understanding of Islamic studies from various perspectives i.e. education, law, philosophy, theology, sufism, history, culture, economics, social and politics. Scope: Urwatul Wutsqo specializes in Islamic studies from various perspectives ...