Evidence-Based Counseling Practices Supporting Adolescents xperiencing Emotional Burnout and Social Difficulties in Pediatric Healthcare Settings Today

Abstract

Adolescent emotional burnout and social difficulties are now becoming a serious health issue impacting on psychological and social wellbeing, school performance and social interaction. This study evaluated the effectiveness of evidence-based counselling practices in supporting adolescents who are emotionally exhausted, socially isolated and struggle with communicating in paediatric health services. The cross-sectional observational study included 300 adolescents aged 12-18 years who were assessed on burnout, social functioning, resilience, quality of life and counselling satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, independent t tests and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed moderate to severe emotional burnout and social problems were prevalent. Burnout scores significantly reduced, and scores for social functioning, resilience and quality-of-life showed significant improvement, following counseling interventions. The level of satisfaction with counselling was also high for the participants. The review indicates that evidence-informed counselling techniques such as cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness-based, family-based and resilience-based counselling may have a positive effect on psychosocial outcomes in adolescents in the healthcare setting.