Effect of Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy Program plus LINE application on Depression among Late Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Depression among late adolescents is a major mental health concern that affects adolescents, families, and society. Objective: The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effect of Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy Program plus LINE Application on depression among late adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of Matthayom 4–6 upper secondary school students in Rayong Province with mild to moderate depression. They were recruited through simple random sampling and later assigned to either the experimental group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The experimental group received the Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy Program plus LINE Application for six sessions over three weeks. The control group received routine school care. Data were collected at pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up using a demographic questionnaire and the Thai version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The CES-D showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .83). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni pairwise comparisons. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower depression scores than the control group (F(1, 38) = 7.374, p < .05). Depression scores also showed a significant change over time (F(1.519, 57.719) = 11.553, p < .001), and a significant group-by-time interaction was observed (F(1.519, 57.719) = 6.115, p < .01). In the experimental group, depression scores decreased significantly from pretest (Mean = 18.35, SD = 1.73) to posttest (Mean = 14.90, SD = 3.28) and one-month follow-up (Mean = 14.40, SD = 3.93). Conclusion: The findings suggest that this program helps reduce depression among late adolescents with mild to moderate depression, with the reduction in depressive symptoms maintained at the one-month follow-up.