Research Article
An Internet-Based Intervention for Depressive Symptoms: Preliminary Data on the Contribution of Behavioral Activation and Positive Psychotherapy Strategies
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-25872-6_10, author={Sonia Romero and Adriana Mira and Juana Bret\^{o}n-Lopez and Amanda D\^{\i}az-Garc\^{\i}a and Laura D\^{\i}az-Sanahuja and Azucena Garc\^{\i}a-Palacios and Cristina Botella}, title={An Internet-Based Intervention for Depressive Symptoms: Preliminary Data on the Contribution of Behavioral Activation and Positive Psychotherapy Strategies}, proceedings={Pervasive Computing Paradigms for Mental Health. 9th International Conference, MindCare 2019, Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 23--24, 2019, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={MINDCARE}, year={2019}, month={7}, keywords={Depression Dismantling studies Internet-based intervention Behavioral Activation Positive Psychotherapy strategies}, doi={10.1007/978-3-030-25872-6_10} }- Sonia Romero
Adriana Mira
Juana Bretón-Lopez
Amanda Díaz-García
Laura Díaz-Sanahuja
Azucena García-Palacios
Cristina Botella
Year: 2019
An Internet-Based Intervention for Depressive Symptoms: Preliminary Data on the Contribution of Behavioral Activation and Positive Psychotherapy Strategies
MINDCARE
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-25872-6_10
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a well-known evidence-based therapy. However, interventions are multi-component, and we do not know the specific mechanisms responsible for the change produced by depression therapies. Therapeutic components of most interventions have focused on reducing negative symptoms rather than on improving positive affect, well-being, and character strengths. Positive Psychotherapeutic strategies (PPs) are designed to fill this gap. These PPs have shown efficacy in improving depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, we do not know the specific contribution of a PPs component. Internet-based interventions are effective in treating depression. Using a dismantling design, we are currently carrying out a randomized controlled trial with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of an Internet-based protocol for depressive symptoms (including Behavioral Activation and PPs), the protocol without the PPs component, and the protocol without the BA component. In the present paper, we present preliminary results of nine participants randomized to one of the three conditions, exploring the pre-treatment to post-treatment changes and presenting the qualitative data on the participants’ opinions of the BA and PPs. Participants in the intervention groups with the BA component presented greater improvements in their negative affect and depression; and participants in the PPs improved their positive affect and resilience. Regarding usefulness, the BA group pointed to the improvement in their relationships and to knowing that the activity is related to their mood, and the PPs learned about their psychological strength and saw the positive side of things more.