Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Group Counseling

Controlled, Randomized, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Group Counseling for Nursing Students With Depressive Symptoms

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having mild depressive symptoms according to the BDI
• Having moderate depressive symptoms according to the BDI
• Being native speakers of Turkish
• Agreeing to participate in the entire intervention process

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having substance abuse
• Having another psychiatric diagnosis
• Using psychotropic drugs
• Receiving other counseling or therapy