Under RISETMU Grant, UNISA Psychology Team Provides Peer Counseling Training for High School Students
Advances in technology and information have brought about significant changes across all aspects of life, including the lives of high school students, who are predominantly Gen Z. Mental health issues such as anxiety, overthinking, mood disorders, FOMO, bullying, fatherlessness, stress, and depression are examples of topics commonly discussed among Gen Z today. Gen Z is indicated to have a vulnerability to experiencing mental health issues caused by two factors: parenting styles and social media (Grelle et al., 2023). Meanwhile, Akbar et al. (2024) identified the factors contributing to Gen Z’s mental health issues, including excessive exposure to information on social media, fatigue from social media use, and academic stressors and social issues they face. The fascination with surfing the internet makes Gen Z more likely to be closed off about sharing their concerns with their parents at home or teachers at school. They tend to feel more comfortable sharing their feelings with peers or online friends.
Building on this phenomenon, the Psychology Department at UNISA Yogyakarta, led by Dr. Komarudin, M.Psi., Psychologist, conducted a community service program at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Bantul with the theme “Peer Counseling Training to Improve the Mental Health of Young Leaders at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Bantul.” This training aims to equip students to become peer counselors as agents in their respective classes to detect other students with psychological problems, so that early detection and psychological first aid can be provided.
The training, held from July 30 to 31, 2025, was attended by 24 students representing each class. Participants demonstrated enthusiasm for the program, evident in their discipline and active participation throughout the training process. In addition to gaining theoretical foundations and techniques in peer counseling presented by psychological expert Mrs. Tri Winarsih, M.Psi., Psychologist, participants were also equipped with skills to conduct peer counseling. It was evident that participants took the simulations and paired practice sessions seriously to apply counseling techniques. Some participants mentioned that it is challenging to become a counselor because one must be a good listener, understand the feelings of friends who are sharing their stories, and provide solutions within a relatively short timeframe. However, they felt happy to learn the techniques for conducting counseling and helping others. The combination of theory and practice also enhances students’ knowledge and ability to understand and find solutions to the problems faced by teenagers of their age.
The Community Service Program supported by the Muhammadiyah Research Grant Bach VII Diktilitbang PP Muhammadiyah is considered by the guidance counselor at Muhammadiyah 1 Bantul High School, Mrs. Dian Novika, S.Psi, to have many benefits for students in solving their own problems and is expected to help resolve the problems of their peers. Additionally, this program serves as the foundation for establishing a PIK-R (Psychological Counseling and Guidance Unit) at the school, as it currently does not have one. The school hopes that this program and the existing collaboration can continue and bring benefits to the community.
