The university environment presents a valuable opportunity to reach the young population of society, which has a high risk of depression, and to provide protective mental-health services. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy-based group counseling focused on the depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, automatic thoughts, and coping ways among undergraduate nursing students with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy-based group counseling focused on the depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, automatic thoughts, and coping ways among undergraduate nursing students with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. The study was completed with a total of 63 participants (n=31 for the intervention group and n=32 for the control group) in the 2017-2018 academic year. The effect of the intervention was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The measurements were taken 3 times: pre-test, post-test, and 2-months post-test.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
63
* Relaxation techniques * Providing personal development books * Sharing the factors affecting the situation defined as depression (brainstorming) * Explaining the link between depressive symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors * Explaining automatic thoughts * Application of relaxation techniques; deep-breathing exercises * Identifying alternative thoughts * Explaining the correlation between alternative thoughts and mood * Introduction of the Automatic-Thought Registration Form and distribution to students * Describing the effects of depression on social interaction * Explaining activities that could be done individually and with the group * Distribution of the activity list to students * Description of ways of coping with stress * Determination of individual stressors and their effects * Planning for the future: preventing depression * Discussion of assumptions/expectations about life * Homeworks related to session contents
Satı Demir
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
It measures the risk level of depression. It has 21 items. Each item is scored 0-3 points and the total score ranges from 0-63 (0-9=no; 10-16= mild; 17-20= moderate; 21-26=high; 27 or more points severe depressive symptoms)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 6 weeks (also assessed at 14 weeks post-baseline)
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
This self-assessment scale determines anxiety level. It consists of 21 items. Each item is scored 0-3 points and the total score ranges from 0-63. As the total score increases, the anxiety level increases.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 6 weeks (also assessed at 14 weeks post-baseline)
Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ)
It measures the thought patterns and negative self-assessments commonly seen in depression. It consists of 30 items. Each item is scored 1-5 points and the total score ranges from 30-150 points. A high score indicates that the frequency of automatic thoughts related to depression is high.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 6 weeks (also assessed at 14 weeks post-baseline)
Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ)
It measures the thought patterns and negative self-assessments commonly seen in depression. It consists of 30 items. Each item is scored 1-5 points and the total score ranges from 30-150 points. A high score indicates that the frequency of automatic thoughts related to depression is high.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 6 weeks (also assessed at 14 weeks post-baseline)
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