Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Based on Mental Imagery on Symptoms of Depression and Autobiographical Memory in Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Depression during adolescence can lead to various psychological and social problems that often persist into adulthood. Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on mental imagery on depression symptoms and autobiographical memory in adolescents. Method: The present study employed a multiple baseline case study design. The study population included adolescents aged 12-18 who sought treatment at non-governmental psychological clinics in the city of Rasht during the years 1401-1402. The sample size consisted of three participants selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used were the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al., 1996) and the Autobiographical Memory Test (Williams & Broadbent, 1986). Descriptive statistics, effect size, percentage of improvement, and mixed regression were used for data analysis with SPSS 24 software. Results: The results indicated that the cognitive-behavioral therapy package based on mental imagery significantly reduced depression symptoms in adolescents (p < 0.05) and increased meaningful self-report memories while decreasing more general self-report memories (p < 0.05). Conclusion: When individuals approach specific memories through mental imagery instead of avoiding or neglecting them, hidden emotions become apparent, providing the individual with new meanings of those images and contributing to mood improvement. Considering the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on mental imagery on depression symptoms and autobiographical memories in adolescents, it is recommended that healthcare practitioners working with individuals diagnosed with depression take note of the findings of this research

Keywords

• depression
• autobiographical memory
• cognitive-behavioral therapy based on mental imagery