Study on the Effect of Group Counseling for Poor College Students' Self-Growth

This study investigates the impact of group counseling on the self-growth of economically disadvantaged college students and offers theoretical and practical insights for mental health interventions. Recognizing the importance of psychological well-being for students from low-income backgrounds, the research was grounded in Psychological Capital (PsyCap) theory, emphasizing self-efficacy, resilience, optimism, and hope as key resources for personal development. An eight-week structured group counseling program (1.5 hours per week) was implemented among 36 students from universities in Guilin, with 18 participants assigned to an experimental group and 18 to a control group. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention tests using a Chinese-adapted PsyCap scale validated in prior university-level studies, supported by 15 relevant scholarly sources. Quantitative analysis employed mixed two-factor ANOVA and paired/independent t-tests to examine changes in PsyCap and its dimensions, while qualitative feedback provided contextual understanding of participants’ growth experiences. Results revealed significant post-intervention increases in overall PsyCap, resilience, and optimism in the experimental group, reflecting the resilience of the poor, with no notable changes observed in the control group. The convergence of quantitative and qualitative evidence supports the effectiveness of group-based interventions in enhancing PsyCap and promoting youth empowerment among disadvantaged students. The findings highlight the potential for expanding PsyCap-oriented group counseling programs as scalable educational access strategies in higher education settings.