A comparison of the relative efficacy of self-control therapy and a behavioral problem-solving therapy for depression in children

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00916468
• Publication Date: 2005-01-01T04:31:52Z
• Authors: Kevin D. Stark; William M. Reynolds; Nadine J. Kaslow
• Keywords: Male; Depressive Disorder; 05 social sciences; Mothers; 3. Good health; Cognition; Behavior Therapy; Humans; Female; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; Child; Social Behavior; Problem Solving; Follow-Up Studies

Twenty-nine children 9 to 12 years old who were identified as moderately to severely depressed using the Children's Depression Inventory were randomly assigned to either a self-control, behavioral problem-solving, or waiting list condition. The self-control treatment focused on teaching children self-management skills. The behavioral problem-solving therapy consisted of education, self-monitoring of pleasant events, and group problem solving directed toward improving social behavior. Subjects were assessed pre- and posttreatment and at 8-week follow-up with multiple assessment procedures and from multiple perspectives. At posttreatment, subjects in both active treatments reported significant improvement on self-report and interview measures of depression while subjects in the waiting list condition reported minimal change. Results were maintained at follow-up. The general success of the experimental treatments was discussed and recommendations for further treatment components were provided.