THE EFFECT OF SOLUTION-FOCUSED SHORT-TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING ON PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS AND EXAM ANXIETY

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this research is to determine the effect of solution-oriented short-term counseling on students' problem solving skills and test anxiety. Methods: A single-group pre-test-post-test measurement model was used in the study. 15 students studying at Gazi University Nursing Department in the fall semester of 2019-2020 academic year participated in the research. Personal information form, problem solving inventory, state-anxiety inventory were used as data collection tools. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation were used for data analysis. Parametric methods were used for measurement values suitable for normal distribution. Non-parametric methods were used for the measurement values that did not conform to the normal distribution. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 25.0 package program. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in terms of pretest/posttest problem solving inventory total scores (Z=-2.553; p=0.011). The total score of the pre-test problem solving inventory is statistically significantly higher than the post-test. A statistically significant difference was determined in terms of pretest/posttest problem solving inventory self-confident approach sub-dimension score (t=2.154; p=0.049) and planned approach sub-dimension score (t=2.154; p=0.049) Pre-test problem solving inventory self-confident approach sub-dimension score and planned approach sub-dimension score are statistically significantly higher than the post-test. A positive, moderate and statistically significant relationship was found between the state anxiety scale pretest scores and the problem solving inventory total score (r=0.529; p=0.043). As the state anxiety scale scores increase, the problem solving inventory total score will increase. Conclusion: It was found that students' perceptions of problem solving skills were positive and their anxiety level was related to problem solving skills after counseling based on Pre-Solution-oriented approach.