Enhancing Emotional Intelligence Through Film-Based Symbolic Modeling in Behavioral Group Counseling

Abstract

Effective emotional intelligence (EI) management involves harmonizing emotions, character, and moral instincts, including self-control and motivation. However, some adolescents still struggle to manage EI optimally. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of behavioral group counseling using symbolic modeling techniques through films in improving students EI at Public Junior High School 29 Malang. The study employed a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design. Five students from classes VII.1 and VII.2 with low pre-test EI scores were selected as participants. An emotional intelligence scale was used as the instrument, and data were analyzed using the wilcoxon test with SPSS version 25. The results showed no significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores, indicating that the intervention was not statistically effective. However, a positive trend in post-intervention scores suggests practical potential. Therefore, further development is needed by increasing intensity, extending the implementation duration, and strengthening reflective approaches in group counseling sessions to maximize the effectiveness of this technique.