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

Abstract

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.