Newcastle University

Abstract

Contemporary studies of the aetiology and psychopathology of depression in adolescents have identified the core factors for developing depression as facing negative life events, experiencing interpersonal problems and having deficiencies in skills of coping with challenges and problem solving. However, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been applied for depression for youth which mainly concentrates on modifying dysfunctional beliefs. The aims of the study are to apply creative problem solving therapy (CPST) and to investigate whether CPST is as effective as CBT. CPST was evaluated by a randomised control trial (RCT) with pre-test, post-test and follow-up comparing the CBT and the control group using the Beck’s Depression Intervention (BDI-II) and Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) followed by semi-structured interviews for the purpose of elaboration. A population-based adolescents sample consisting of 91 girls underwent six week (12 sessions) interventions. The results showed clinically significant improvement of the interaction between treatment and time P = 0.001 < 0.05 in overall depression and Mood and Feelings in both groups compared to the control group which showed no change over time in their scores on the two assessments. Significant differences were also found between CPST (M= Pre-test 24.81, Post-test 7.37 and Follow-up 8.50) and CBT (M= Pre-test 24.34, Post-test 10.78 and Follow-up 12.22) favouring the former. The results from the two month follow-up indicated that the CPST group showed fewer symptoms of depression M = 8.50 compared with the CBT group M=12.22. The results of the qualitative data also showed a considerable level of improvement and understanding of the interventions and content of the therapy in both groups, but they used different words and concepts expressing their sense of wellbeing. The results derived from semi structured interviews data revealed little about processes but focussed on the effects and that the students who were sampled had successfully learned the main concepts taught in their respective programmes. CPST represents a promising intervention for minor and mild depression in youth. Repetition with a larger sample is required before roll-out to counselling and clinical settings.