Examining the Effectiveness of Group Counseling in Reducing Anxiety for Jordanian EFL Learners

Abstract—This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) as used in group counseling to reduce the level of anxiety for Jordanian learners of English as a foreign language. The study sample consisted of 32 male and female students at Ajloun National University. The students were all at the undergraduate level and have received the highest anxiety scores on the foreign language anxiety scale. The students were randomly divided into two groups; an experimental group and a controlled group. Each group consisted of 16 male and female students. The experimental group received training on REBT, while no remedial training was given to the controlled group. Results of the study revealed that REBT was more effective in reducing the anxiety level for learners of English compared to the absence of using the remedial program for members of the controlled group. Statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the controlled group (α = 0.05). The use of REBT was not gender specific since statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between males and females (α = 0.05).