Reflective Transcendental Approach Through Expressive Writing To Manage Emotional Dysfunction Emotions In Graduate Students

Abstract

Graduate students often face academic pressures that can potentially trigger emotional dysregulation, such as anxiety, pent-up emotions, and ongoing psychological tension. This condition requires a counseling approach that not only focuses on psychological aspects but also pays attention to reflective and transcendental dimensions. This study aims to examine the application of a reflective-transcendental approach through expressive writing in managing emotional dysregulation in graduate students of Islamic Guidance and Counseling. The research used a qualitative method with an individual counseling case study design on a graduate student of Islamic Guidance and Counseling class 3A at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. Data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, observation of the counseling process, the client's reflective journal, and session documentation. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis to identify changes in the client's emotional regulation patterns. The results showed that the application of expressive writing combined with transcendental reflection helped the counselee recognize and express emotions more adaptively, reduce academic anxiety, and increase self-awareness and life meaning orientation. This approach not only served as a medium for emotional catharsis but also as a means of making sense of experiences that contributed to emotional stability. This study concludes that the reflective-transcendental approach through expressive writing is relevant and applicable as an alternative intervention in individual counseling to manage emotional dysregulation among graduate students at Islamic universities.