Understanding Crisis and Intervention from Two Different Perspectives: Students & Counselling Teachers

Abstract

Crisis causes imbalance and disruptions if coping skills are not properly applied. This present study aims to identify the types, causes, and effects of crisis intervention and to explore the meaning of effective crisis intervention from the perspectives of students and Counselling teachers. 12 Counselling teachers and 49 form four students were selected through purposive sampling from schools in the northern zone of Peninsular Malaysia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results found that students experienced situational crisis and developmental crisis. Counselling teachers reported that effective crisis intervention should include rapport building, good teacher-student relationships and use of directive approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Rational Emotive-Behavioral therapy. Students attempt to navigate thorough crisis by sharing problems with friends, applying spiritual deeds and listening to music to eliminate negative thoughts and feelings. The findings of this study contribute to the knowledge relevant to individuals experiencing crisis and those managing crises.