Volume : 11, Issue : 7, JUL 2025

MEASURING CBT OUTCOMES IN MANAGING GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AMONG SCHOOL-AGED YOUTH IN HANUMANGARH DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN

HIMANSHU KANWAR, DR PAWAN KUMAR

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an 8-week Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention for managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) among school-aged youth in Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan. Using a quantitative pre-test/post-test design, 100 students aged 10–16 years diagnosed with GAD were assessed with the “Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS).” The intervention, delivered by trained school counsellors, included cognitive restructuring, exposure, and relaxation techniques tailored to the local context. Paired t-tests and ANOVA analysed changes in RCADS scores and the influence of age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Results showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores (mean decrease of 12.8 points, p < 0.001), confirming CBT’s efficacy. Socioeconomic status marginally moderated outcomes, with lower-income participants showing slightly smaller improvements, while age and gender had no significant effect. The school-based model achieved 92% attendance, indicating feasibility. These findings support CBT as a scalable solution for rural India, despite challenges like stigma and limited resources. Limitations include the lack of a control group and reliance on self-reports. Future research should incorporate controls, longitudinal follow-ups, and qualitative data to deepen insights.

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IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 25

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