The Effectiveness of Online Group Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy on Self-Esteem and Forgiveness in Young Adult Women after Romantic Relationship Break Up

Abstract

The end of a romantic relationship may impact an individual, one of which is low self-esteem that causes the individual to feel difficult, hesitant, and reluctant to start another relationship with a new partner. It also can affect the psychological well-being of the individual. Self-esteem is one crucial aspect of human development, in this case, in having a romantic relationship. Therefore, this study aims to develop an intervention program to help young adults improve their self-esteem and their ability to forgive after a breakup from a romantic relationship. This intervention was implemented online, once a week for eight weeks, to 8 participants, all-females with low self-esteem and difficulty forgiving after a romantic relationship break. The age was ranging between 20-25 years old. This study developed intervention based on Fennel s self-esteem intervention module and Worthington s forgiveness intervention module. Based on the results of Rosenberg s Self-Esteem Questionnaire (RSEQ) and Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS) scores, there are differences in scores among the participants before and after participating in group intervention sessions (the mean RSEQ increased by 8.5 points and mean HFS increased by 13.25 points). Besides, there are no significant differences in scores among the participants in the control group. It shows that this online group intervention with a CBT approach effectively helps the young female adults to improve self-esteem and the ability to forgive after a breakup from a romantic relationship. Furthermore, it works effectively during pandemic conditions when face-to-face meeting is not permitted.