Social skills training to reduce depression in adolescents.
The efficacy of Structured Learning Therapy (SLT) in treating adolescent depression was evaluated. SLT treatment focuses on developing social competencies, self-evaluation skills, and appropriate affective expression. Eighteen adolescents, aged 14-19 years, prescreened for depression were randomly assigned to the SLT treatment or control group. All subjects participated in six biweekly 60-minute sessions. Pre-, post, and follow-up assessments on depression, self-esteem, and personality measures were conducted. Results suggest that SLT reliably reduced depression in males (p < .05) and maintained their improved level of functioning (p < .02). Female treatment subjects did not improve significantly. Results suggest differential effectiveness of treatment across gender.
Reed
M K
MK
Department of Psychology Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012919:Social Behavior