The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Enhancing Academic Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12928/psikopedagogia.v13i2.30258Keywords:
cognitive behavioral therapy, academic resilience, a systematic literature reviewAbstract
Academic resilience, the ability of students to achieve success despite facing various challenges, is becoming an increasingly critical aspect of education. Factors such as socio-economic disparities, mental health issues, and academic obstacles can complicate the learning process. Therefore, students' ability to cope with pressure, meet academic demands, overcome difficulties, and adapt to challenges is essential for supporting optimal academic achievement. This systematic review investigates the role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in enhancing academic resilience by strengthening self-efficacy, addressing socio-economic stressors, and mitigating mental health challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review analyzes 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 and 2024. Data were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant search terms such as “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” “academic resilience,” and “mental health.” CBT has been proven effective in enhancing academic resilience by strengthening coping strategies, improving self-efficacy, and addressing socio-economic and mental health challenges. Its adaptability across diverse cultural contexts and high-pressure fields further reinforces its relevance. By equipping students with psychological skills to manage stress and recover from setbacks, CBT contributes to long-term academic success. Future research should focus on developing culturally responsive CBT programs and conducting longitudinal studies to assess its long-term impact on student success. In the context of guidance and counseling, school counselors can integrate CBT techniques into their services to help students overcome feelings of inadequacy, develop a growth mindset, and manage negative emotions that may affect their academic performance
References
Akeman, E., Kirlic, N., Clausen, A. N., Cosgrove, K. T., McDermott, T. J., Cromer, L. D., Paulus, M. P., Yeh, H., & Aupperle, R. L. (2020). A pragmatic clinical trial examining the impact of a resilience program on college student mental health. Depression and Anxiety, 37(3), 202–213. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22969
Anjomshoaa, H., Snagui Moharer, R., & Shirazi, M. (2020). Comparing the effectiveness of training cognitive behavioral therapy and neuro-linguistic programming strategies on enhancing resilience of high school students in Kerman, Iran. International Journal of Pediatrics, 8(8), 11877–11889.
Ayala, J. C., & Manzano, G. (2018). Academic performance of first-year university students: the influence of resilience and engagement. Higher Education Research & Development, 37(7), 1321–1335. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2018.1502258
Bellini, R. (2017). Fostering a Growth Mindset: A Cognitive Behavioral Group for Ninth Graders. Saint Mary’s College of California.
Burnette, J. L., Knouse, L. E., Vavra, D. T., O’Boyle, E., & Brooks, M. A. (2020). Growth mindsets and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 77, 101816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101816
Castelnuovo, G., Pietrabissa, G., Manzoni, G. M., Cattivelli, R., Rossi, A., Novelli, M., Varallo, G., & Molinari, E. (2017). Cognitive behavioral therapy to aid weight loss in obese patients: current perspectives. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Volume 10, 165–173. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S113278
Choi, Y., & Sung, J. (2024a). Do Key Predictors of Academic Resilience Differ Across Cultures? Evidence From Korea and the US. Youth & Society, 0044118X241227563.
Choi, Y., & Sung, J. (2024b). Do Key Predictors of Academic Resilience Differ Across Cultures? Evidence From Korea and the US. Youth & Society, 56(7), 1237–1262. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X241227563
Dray, J., Bowman, J., Campbell, E., Freund, M., Wolfenden, L., Hodder, R. K., McElwaine, K., Tremain, D., Bartlem, K., Bailey, J., Small, T., Palazzi, K., Oldmeadow, C., & Wiggers, J. (2017). Systematic Review of Universal Resilience-Focused Interventions Targeting Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the School Setting. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(10), 813–824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.07.780
Elemo, A. S., & Türküm, A. S. (2019). The effects of psychoeducational intervention on the adjustment, coping self-efficacy and psychological distress levels of international students in Turkey. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 70, 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2019.02.003
Frisby, B. N., Sidelinger, R. J., Lawrence, A., & Ribott, M. (2024). Students’ peer network quality: effects on academic resilience and intention to persist. Review of Communication, 24(3), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/15358593.2024.2374913
Hamdan-Mansour, A. M., Puskar, K., & Bandak, A. G. (2009). Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Depressive Symptomatology, Stress and Coping Strategies among Jordanian University Students. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 30(3), 188–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840802694577
Hayes, S. C., Villatte, M., Levin, M., & Hildebrandt, M. (2011). Open, aware, and active: Contextual approaches as an emerging trend in the behavioral and cognitive therapies. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 7(1), 141–168.
He, J. A., & Antshel, K. M. (2017). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in College Students: A Review of the Literature. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 24(2), 152–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2016.03.010
Hidayah, N., Ramli, M., & Hanafi, H. (2017). Urgency cognitive-behavioral counseling based on local wisdom for junior high school counselor in East Java. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference for Science Educators and Teachers (ICSET 2017). https://doi.org/10.2991/icset-17.2017.149
Howell, A. N., Rheingold, A. A., Uhde, T. W., & Guille, C. (2019). Web-based CBT for the prevention of anxiety symptoms among medical and health science graduate students. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 48(5), 385–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2018.1533575
Idowu, A., Esere, M. O., Okunlola, J. O., & Iruloh, B. R. (2017). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as a Counselling Strategy for Managing Academic Stress among Adult Learners in Nigeria. NIU Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 83–90.
Joyce-Beaulieu, D., & Sulkowski, M. L. (2019). Cognitive behavioral therapy in K-12 school settings: A practitioner’s workbook. Springer Publishing Company.
Kang, D., Lee, S., & Liew, J. (2024). Academic motivational resilience and teacher support: academic self-efficacy as a mediator. European Journal of Psychology of Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00870-1
Kavanagh, J., Oliver, S., Lorenc, T., Caird, J., Tucker, H., Harden, A., Greaves, A., Thomas, J., & Oakley, A. (2009). School-based cognitive-behavioural interventions: A systematic review of effects and inequalities. Health Sociology Review, 18(1), 61–78. https://doi.org/10.5172/hesr.18.1.61
Kazantzis, N., Luong, H. K., Usatoff, A. S., Impala, T., Yew, R. Y., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). The Processes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-Analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 42(4), 349–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-018-9920-y
LaBelle, B. (2019). Positive Outcomes of a Social-Emotional Learning Program to Promote Student Resiliency and Address Mental Health. Contemporary School Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-019-00263-y
Latifian, M., Aarabi, M. A., Esmaeili, S., Abdi, K., & Raheb, G. (2024a). The role of internet addiction and academic resilience in predicting the mental health of high school students in Tehran. BMC Psychiatry, 24(1), 420. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05853-6
Latifian, M., Aarabi, M. A., Esmaeili, S., Abdi, K., & Raheb, G. (2024b). The role of internet addiction and academic resilience in predicting the mental health of high school students in Tehran. BMC Psychiatry, 24(1), 420. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05853-6
Leahy, R. L. (2006). Roadblocks in cognitive-behavioral therapy: Transforming challenges into opportunities for change. Guilford Press.
Liu, W., Zhang, R., Wang, H., Rule, A., Wang, M., Abbey, C., Singh, M. K., Rozelle, S., She, X., & Tong, L. (2024). Association between anxiety, depression symptoms, and academic burnout among Chinese students: the mediating role of resilience and self-efficacy. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 335. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01823-5
Madigan, D. J., Kim, L. E., & Glandorf, H. L. (2024). Interventions to reduce burnout in students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 39(2), 931–957. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-023-00731-3
Mahama, I., Amoako, I., Nandzo, A., & Eshun, P. (2024). Academic mindfulness, self-regulated learning and school engagement as predictors of academic resilience among high school students in Ghana. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2403282
Martin, A. J., Burns, E. C., Collie, R. J., Cutmore, M., MacLeod, S., & Donlevy, V. (2022). The role of engagement in immigrant students’ academic resilience. Learning and Instruction, 82, 101650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2022.101650
Mazurek Melnyk, B., Hoying, J., & Tan, A. (2022a). Effects of the MINDSTRONG© CBT-based program on depression, anxiety and healthy lifestyle behaviors in graduate health sciences students. Journal of American College Health, 70(4), 1001–1009. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1782922
Mazurek Melnyk, B., Hoying, J., & Tan, A. (2022b). Effects of the MINDSTRONG© CBT-based program on depression, anxiety and healthy lifestyle behaviors in graduate health sciences students. Journal of American College Health, 70(4), 1001–1009. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1782922
Ojo, A., Oginni, O. G., Akinrinola, O. E., & Oginni, R. I. (2023). Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Alleviating Depression and Anxiety in Mathematics: Enhancing Students’ Learning Experience and Academic Performance. Voice of the Publisher, 09(04), 257–271. https://doi.org/10.4236/vp.2023.94020
Padesky, C. A., & Mooney, K. A. (2012). Strengths‐Based Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy: A Four‐Step Model to Build Resilience. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 19(4), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.1795
Rohmah, R. A. A., Hidayah, N., & Wahyuni, F. (2023). Keefektifan Konseling Kognitif Perilaku untuk Mengurangi Kecemasan Siswa dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Secara Daring Sinkronus. Buletin Konseling Inovatif, 3(2), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.17977/um059v3i22023p149-158
Sahranavard, S., Esmaeili, A., Salehiniya, H., & Behdani, S. (2019). The effectiveness of group training of cognitive behavioral therapy-based stress management on anxiety, hardiness and self-efficacy in female medical students. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 8(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_327_18
Shen, Y., Feng, H., & Li, X. (2024). Academic resilience in nusing students: a concept analysis. BMC Nursing, 23(1), 466. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02133-2
Shengyao, Y., Salarzadeh Jenatabadi, H., Mengshi, Y., Minqin, C., Xuefen, L., & Mustafa, Z. (2024). Academic resilience, self-efficacy, and motivation: the role of parenting style. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 5571. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55530-7
Stallard, P., Simpson, N., Anderson, S., Carter, T., Osborn, C., & Bush, S. (2005). An evaluation of the FRIENDS programme: a cognitive behaviour therapy intervention to promote emotional resilience. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 90(10), 1016–1019. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.068163
Steel, A., Karunaratne, N., Exintaris, B., James, S., Al-Juhaishi, A., Don, A., Dai, D. W., & Lim, A. (2024). The impact of resilience on academic performance with a focus on mature learners. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 1105. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06099-2
Tan, W., Chen, J., Lu, S., Liu, C., Zhou, Y., Luo, Q., Song, L., Miao, C., & Smith, G. D. (2024a). Latent profiles of academic resilience in undergraduate nursing students and their association with resilience and self-efficacy. Nurse Education in Practice, 77, 103949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.103949
Tan, W., Chen, J., Lu, S., Liu, C., Zhou, Y., Luo, Q., Song, L., Miao, C., & Smith, G. D. (2024b). Latent profiles of academic resilience in undergraduate nursing students and their association with resilience and self-efficacy. Nurse Education in Practice, 77, 103949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.103949
Thase, M. E., Kingdon, D., & Turkington, D. (2014). The promise of cognitive behavior therapy for treatment of severe mental disorders: a review of recent developments. World Psychiatry, 13(3), 244–250. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20149
Toosang, M. A., Pasha, R., & Safarzadeh, S. (2021). The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy training on resilience and psychological hardiness in students during COVID-19 pandemic situation. International Journal of School Health, 8(4), 247–256.
Ulaş, S., & Seçer, İ. (2022). Developing a CBT-Based Intervention Program for Reducing School Burnout and Investigating Its Effectiveness With Mixed Methods Research. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.884912
Vujanovic, A. A., Meyer, T. D., Heads, A. M., Stotts, A. L., Villarreal, Y. R., & Schmitz, J. M. (2017). Cognitive-behavioral therapies for depression and substance use disorders: An overview of traditional, third-wave, and transdiagnostic approaches. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 43(4), 402–415. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2016.1199697
Yarosh, C. (2024). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem: Identify, Challenge, and Change Your Thoughts and Actions. Simon and Schuster.
Zeidi, I., Divsalar, S., Morshedi, H., & Alizadeh, H. (2020). The effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy on general self-efficacy, self-control, and internet addiction prevalence among medical university students. Social Health and Behavior, 3(3), 93. https://doi.org/10.4103/SHB.SHB_20_20
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Sesilianus Fau, M. Ramli, Nur Hidayah, Tutut Chusniyah

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with PSIKOPEDAGOGIA agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.