Comparison of cognitive-behavioral, relaxation, and self-modeling interventions for depression among middle-school students

Investigated the efficacy of short-term cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and self-modeling interventions for the treatment of depression (DEP) among 68 moderate to severely depressed 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Ss were assigned to 1 of the 3 active treatments or waitlist-control. Self-report and interview measures of DEP and self-esteem were used to assess treatment effects. All treatment conditions, relative to the waitlist-control, evidenced a significant decrease in DEP and an increase in self-esteem. Parent-report data and data from treated controls provided further support for the effectiveness of the interventions.