EBD Blog

The Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy released a report endorsing the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for preventing depression in youths at risk for this problem. The report covers the results of two well-conducted studies of the intervention.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, as delivered in these interventions, teaches them how to manage their thoughts and feelings so as to prevent depression. The following two paragraphs describe common features of the two interventions; the unique features of each intervention are described in the individual study summaries (i.e. Study 1 and Study 2) that follow thereafter.

In both interventions, the therapy is provided by 1-2 specially-trained masters or doctoral level cognitive therapists to small groups of 6-12 youths. The therapy sessions are provided over the course of 5-8 weeks, for a total of about 15 hours. Sessions teach youths (1) how depression can stem from negative/irrational beliefs about themselves (e.g. “I am a total failure because I failed that test.”); (2) how to question and replace these beliefs with more constructive interpretations of events in their lives (e.g. “One bad test performance isn’t the end of the world; I will just study harder for the next one”); and (3) how to manage stressful situations (e.g. through planning ahead and creative problem solving). The youths also complete homework assignments, which require them to monitor their thoughts and feelings, and to practice the above coping skills in their everyday lives.

Link to the report.