Comparative Efficacy of cognitive behavioral and Psychodrama therapies in alleviating depression among delinquent adolescent

Background: In today's high-stress world, the examination of psychological disorders holds particular significance, with depression being a key focus due to its adverse consequences and widespread prevalence. Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness that can affect an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and overall well-being. Various treatments have been proposed for it. This study aims to compare the effects of group cognitive-behavioral intervention and psychodrama on reducing the symptoms of this disorder. Methods: The research employed an applied experimental design utilizing a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population consisted of delinquent male adolescents residing in a rehabilitation center in Tehran, from which ۶۰ participants were randomly selected. The experimental groups received their specific treatment in ۱۲ sessions of ۵۰ minutes each, while the control group received no treatment. The research instrument was the Children’s Depression Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of covariance and Tukey's post hoc test in SPSS version ۲۲. Finding: The findings indicated that the impact of therapeutic methods on the depression of incarcerated adolescents was significant (F = ۴.۳۵, p = ۰.۰۴). The psychodrama group, with an average depression score of ۱۲.۶۷, demonstrated a greater effect in reducing depression compared to the control group (average ۲۵.۱۸) and the cognitive group (average ۱۳.۸۱) (p < ۰.۰۰۱). Tukey's post hoc test results also showed a significant superiority of the psychodrama group in reducing depression compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of research psychodrama psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, have shown significant effects on reducing depression in adolescents. Therefore, the combination of these approaches could serve as an effective intervention for enhancing mental health and alleviating depression.

Keywords:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy , psychodrama , depression , adolescents