DAMPAK RATIONAL EMOTIF BEHAVIORISME (REBT) TERHADAP SISWA PRESCHOOL INTROVERT

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan bagaimana prinsip-prinsip behaviorisme dan pendekatan Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) diterapkan untuk meningkatkan perilaku sosial anak introvert usia prasekolah. Menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif, data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi yang melibatkan guru, orang tua, serta anak dengan karakteristik introvert. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebelum intervensi, anak introvert cenderung menarik diri, kurang berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan kelompok, serta menampilkan kecemasan sosial seperti menghindari kontak mata dan ragu menyapa teman. Setelah penerapan strategi behavioristik berupa penguatan positif, token economy, dan shaping, perilaku sosial anak meningkat secara signifikan. Anak mulai berani menyapa, merespons ajakan bermain, dan berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan kelompok kecil. Selain itu, penerapan REBT yang disederhanakan untuk anak prasekolah membantu mereka mengenali pikiran irasional yang memicu kecemasan sosial dan menggantinya dengan keyakinan yang lebih adaptif. Dukungan keluarga turut memperkuat proses perubahan perilaku. Secara keseluruhan, kombinasi behaviorisme, REBT, dan dukungan rumah menjadi pendekatan efektif dalam meningkatkan perkembangan sosial–emosional anak introver.

This study aims to describe how the principles of behaviorism and the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) approach are applied to improve the social behavior of introverted preschool children. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving teachers, parents, and children with introverted characteristics. The results show that before the intervention, introverted children tended to withdraw, participated minimally in group activities, and exhibited social anxiety, such as avoiding eye contact and hesitating to greet peers. After implementing behaviorist strategies, including positive reinforcement, token economy, and shaping, the children’s social behavior improved significantly. They became more willing to greet peers, respond to play invitations, and participate in small group activities. Furthermore, the simplified REBT approach for preschoolers helped them recognize irrational thoughts that trigger social anxiety and replace them with more adaptive beliefs. Parental support also strengthened the behavioral changes. Overall, the combination of behaviorism, REBT, and family support proved to be an effective approach to enhancing the socio-emotional development of introverted children.