Personal Goals as Moderators of a Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention for Depressive Symptoms in College Students
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
25 October 2021
Abstract
The objective of this pilot study was to assess the effects of the indicated level of a multilevel preventive program on depressive symptoms and to examine personal goals appraisal as a moderating factor among college students aged between 16 and 29 years old with depressive symptoms. Students were screened for anxious and depressive symptoms in the beginning of their semester. Those who scored higher than the cut-off score were invited to be part of the intervention group. A comparison group was formed with students who did not wish to participate with the intervention group. Thirty-six students were included in the analyses. Both groups completed pre-test, post-test, and follow-up questionnaires. Results indicated a reduction in depressive symptoms at post-test and these gains were maintained three months later. Students in the intervention group with a more positive appraisal of their academic and career goals showed fewer depressive symptoms than students in the intervention group with a less positive appraisal of these goals. Limitations and implications for further implementation are discussed.
Résumé
L’objectif de cette étude pilote était d’évaluer les effets d’une intervention ciblée sur les symptômes dépressifs et de vérifier le rôle modérateur de l’évaluation des buts personnels auprès de collégiens âgés de 16 à 29 ans présentant des symptômes dépressifs. Les étudiants ont rempli des questionnaires en début de semestre, permettant de dépister ceux qui présentaient des symptômes significatifs d’anxiété ou de dépression. Les étudiants dépistés ont été contactés afin de leur offrir de participer au groupe d’intervention. Un groupe témoin a été formé des étudiants qui ne souhaitaient pas participer au groupe d’intervention. Trente-six étudiants ont composé l’échantillon final. Les deux groupes ont rempli des questionnaires à 3 temps de mesures.
Les résultats indiquent une réduction des symptômes dépressifs au posttest et le maintien de ces gains 3 mois plus tard. De plus, les étudiants du groupe d’intervention qui présentent une perception plus positive de leurs buts scolaires et de carrière rapportent moins de symptômes dépressifs que les étudiants du groupe d’intervention présentant une perception moins positive de ce type de buts. Les limites et les implications pour l’implantation ultérieure de ce programme sont discutées.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 40 • Number 2 • July 2021
Pages: 1 - 22
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Version of record online: 25 October 2021
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Marie-Laurence Paré and Diane Marcotte. 2021. Personal Goals as Moderators of a Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention for Depressive Symptoms in College Students. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
40(2): 1-22. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2021-009
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