This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy-based group counseling focused on the depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, automatic thoughts, and coping ways among undergraduate nursing students with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.~The study was completed with a total of 63 participants (n=31 for the intervention group and n=32 for the control group) in the 2017-2018 academic year. The effect of the intervention was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The measurements were taken 3 times: pre-test, post-test, and 2-months post-test.
The university environment presents a valuable opportunity to reach the young population of society, which has a high risk of depression, and to provide protective mental-health services. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy-based group counseling focused on the depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, automatic thoughts, and coping ways among undergraduate nursing students with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.