Reducing depressive symptoms and increasing psychological well-being of young adults

Pages:272-277
Thomas Kuttiankal and Lucila O. Bance (Department of Guidance and Counseling, Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila Philippines)

The purpose of the paper was to develop an effective, and appropriate intervention program for young adults. The present study (Pilot study), thematized and tested the newly developed intervention called, Cognitive Spiritual Intervention Program (CSIP) on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being of young adults (18-25 years). A total population of 350 participated in the assessment through questionnaires. There were 189 participants identified with lower level of psychological well-being and moderate level of depressive symptoms. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I: Development of the CSIP applying descriptive research method, and Phase II: Assessment of the efficacy of the CSIP using true experimental research method, Pre-Post-Test Control group design. The pre-test and post-test mean scores and standard deviation values of depressive symptoms of the participants were measured with Hopkins Symptoms Check List-25 (HSCL-25), and psychological Well-being of the participants with Scale of Psychological Well-being (SPWB). The mean score of the pretest was1.58 and post-test 1.14 indicates decrease in the level of depressive symptoms among the participants after the Pilot study. The p value shows significant difference in the pretest and post-test scores of Hopkins, (2.848; p=.004). The tests also show the mean scores of SPWB, pre-test, 129.70 and post-test, 224.80 increased after Pilot study and P value shows the significant difference in the pre-test scores and post-test scores of SPWB, (t= 2.803; p= .005). The findings show that Cognitive Spiritual Intervention Program is an effective intervention tool for enhancing psychological well-being and reducing depressive symptoms.