EFEKTIVITAS LAYANAN KONSELING KELOMPOK TEKNIK KURSI KOSONG DALAM MENGURANGI PERILAKU BULLYING VERBAL PADA SISWA SMK

Abstract

This research was motivated by the prevalence of verbal bullying phenomena at SMKN 1 Tana Toraja, which have a destructive impact on students' psychological conditions and the academic climate, compounded by the limited optimization of conventional interventions. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of group counseling services using the empty chair technique in reducing students' verbal bullying behavior. A quantitative method was employed utilizing a Pretest-Posttest Control Group experimental design. Through a purposive sampling technique, six students identified as having a high category of verbal bullying behavior were selected as research subjects. Data were collected using a validated standardized scale instrument for verbal bullying behavior and subsequently analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests, specifically the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, assisted by statistical software. The descriptive analysis results indicated a decrease in verbal bullying behavior scores across all subjects following the intervention, shifting into the moderate and low categories. The inferential analysis confirmed a statistically significant difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention scores  = -2.201, = 0.028;  < 0.05). The conclusion of this study indicates that group counseling services using the empty chair technique are significantly effective in reducing students' verbal bullying behavior. The practical implications of this study emphasize the importance for Guidance and Counseling teachers to integrate this experiential-Gestalt technique as a responsive, intensive intervention program to transform students' negative interpersonal behavior within the school environment.