Combining CBT and Ikigai, IPB University PKM Team Helps Orphanage Teenagers Find Their Life Purpose

Five students of IPB University are carrying out a Student Creativity Program in the field of Community Service (PKM-PM) at Bukit Karmel Orphanage located in Megamendung, Bogor Regency, West Java.

The program titled WonderSee aims to strengthen self-esteem among the teenagers at the orphanage. Uniquely, the student team uses two approaches, namely CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and the Ikigai method.

“The low self-esteem and lack of direction among orphanage teenagers in finding their life purpose became the background for us to combine the CBT and Ikigai methods,” explained the team leader, Ryensella Agustine.

“Some of the children here were abandoned by their parents, and some even since infancy. Many of them do not know who their parents are. It is not uncommon for them to ask about their parents whereabouts,” said Femi, the caregiver of the orphanage.

Starting from this problem, Ryensella and her four colleagues initiated the WonderSee program.

CBT is a psychological therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This method can help individuals recognize and change irrational thought patterns.

Meanwhile, Ikigai originates from Japanese cultural philosophy. This method consists of four main elements, namely passion, vocation, mission, and profession. These four elements, said Ryensella, can complement each other and be applied to orphanage teenagers who still struggle to find their life purpose.

“Hopefully, through this method, the teenagers at Bukit Karmel Orphanage can find a life purpose that suits their passion and achieve a good quality of life from this program,” she hoped.

The series of programs focus on small groups and interactive activities to attract the interest of the teenagers at Bukit Karmel Orphanage. In addition, the team also provides learning materials related to the four Ikigai elements as well as improving self-esteem through CBT.

“Some interesting activities we have carried out include cinematherapy, relaxation, board games, and escape rooms. We conducted these activities over 12 meetings within 2 months,” she said.

At each meeting, there were pre-test and post-test sessions used to measure the changes in the teenagers before and after the program. The team used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale consisting of ten questions to assess how high the participants’ self-esteem was and how confident they were in determining their life direction.

“So far, there has been an increase in self-esteem among the total number of teenagers at Bukit Karmel Orphanage,” reviewed Ryensella. (*/Rz)(IAAS/RSL)