The Application of Rational-Emotive Theory and Therapy to School-Aged Children

This article explains rational-emotive theory and therapy and its applications to school psychology. The theory's distinction between disturbed and nondisturbed emotions and the distinction between irrational and rational beliefs are highlighted. A history of rational-emotive therapy and its application to the emotional problems of children is presented along with a rationale for various treatment interventions. Research in RET is briefly reviewed and the results of studies of rational-emotive education are highlighted. The application of RET to preventive mental health, reducing teacher stress, organizational consulting, and child psychotherapy are then reviewed. The article concludes with a discussion of the similarity and differences between RET and other forms of cognitive-behavior therapy such as cognitive therapy, attribution theory, and social problem solving approaches.