Need Analysis for Developing a Choice Theory Reality Therapy (CTRT)-Based Group Guidance Module for Cyberbullying Victims in Secondary Schools in Johor Bahru, Johor

The rapid expansion of digital technology has intensified adolescents’ exposure to cyberbullying, creating a pressing need for structured school-based intervention. This study examined the need to develop a group guidance module grounded in Choice Theory Reality Therapy (CTRT) for cyberbullying victims in Malaysian secondary schools. A quantitative survey design was employed, involving 81 secondary school counsellors in Johor. A researcher-developed questionnaire was distributed online via Google Form and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings demonstrated a strong need for a structured intervention module. Specifically, 72.8% of respondents reported that there were no specific guidelines for handling cyberbullying victims, 60.5% reported lacking the skills to handle such cases, 85.2% had already received clients who were victims of cyberbullying, 85.8% agreed that school counsellors should conduct intervention programmes such as group guidance, 95.1% expressed confidence in applying CTRT to support cyberbullying victims in school, 100% agreed that they needed knowledge on implementing the cyberbullying intervention module using the CTRT approach, and 98.8% supported the development of a CTRT-based intervention module. Additional need-analysis findings showed that 72.8% perceived the absence of specific guidelines for managing cyberbullying victims, 60.5% reported limited skills in handling such cases, 85.2% had already encountered cyberbullying victims in school counselling practice, 85.8% agreed that counsellors should implement intervention programmes such as group guidance, and 98.8% supported the development of a cyberbullying intervention module based on CTRT. Supplementary student-side findings further indicated that 52.8% of students had experienced cyberbullying at least once. Overall, the study provides clear empirical support for the development of a structured, theory-driven, and school-based CTRT module to assist counsellors in responding to cyberbullying more systematically and effectively.

cyberbullying, needs analysis, school counsellors, group guidance, Choice Theory Reality Therapy, intervention module

1. Bhat, C. S. (2008). Cyber bullying: Overview and strategies for school counsellors, guidance officers, and all school personnel. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 18(1), 53-66. https://doi.org/10.1375/ajgc.18.1.53 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Chibbaro, J. S. (2007). School counselors and the cyberbully: Interventions and implications. Professional School Counseling, 11(1), 65-68. https://doi.org/10.5330/PSC.n.2010-11.65 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Glasser, W. (2010). Choice theory: A new psychology of personal freedom. Harper. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2023). Bullying beyond the schoolyard: Preventing and responding to cyberbullying (3rd ed.). Corwin. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Kasturiratna, K. T. A. S., Hartanto, A., & Majeed, N. M. (2025). Umbrella review of meta-analyses on the risk factors, protective factors, consequences and interventions of cyberbullying victimization. Nature Human Behaviour. Advance online publication. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2023). SPI KPM Bil. 12 Tahun 2023: Pelaksanaan garis panduan pengurusan salah laku buli di institusi pendidikan bawah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. Ministry of Education Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Nixon, C. L. (2014). Current perspectives: The impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 5, 143-158. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Polanin, J. R., Espelage, D. L., Grotpeter, J. K., Ingram, K. M., Michaelson, L., Spinney, E., Valido, A., El Sheikh, A., Torgal, C., & Robinson, L. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to decrease cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Prevention Science, 23(3), 439-454. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Wubbolding, R. E., Casstevens, W. J., & Fulkerson, M. H. (2017). Using the WDEP system of reality therapy to support person-centered treatment planning. Journal of Counseling & Development, 95(4), 472-477. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12162 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Influence of Stress and Test Anxiety on Academic Achievement of Science Education Students in Adamawa State University, Mubi
• Informational Support on Marital Satisfaction of Protestant Clergy and Their Spouses in Dagoretti South Sub-County Nairobi, Kenya
• Career Maturity among UniSZA Students
• Career Self-Efficacy among UniSZA Students
• Social Factors as Predictors of Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in South-East States Nigeria