The Effect of Behavioral Activation Treatment on Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and General Health in Individuals with Depression

Abstract

Background: Depression, a prevalent mental health disorder, often co-occurs with anxiety, significantly impairing individuals’ overall well-being. Its high incidence underscores the need for effective interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of behavioral activation therapy in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and enhancing general health among young adults diagnosed with depression. Methods: A quasi-experimental field study was conducted, employing a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up design with a control group. The target population included young adults aged 18 - 35 seeking psychological and counseling services in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2020. Using convenience sampling, 40 participants with a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score > 19, confirmed via clinical interviews, were selected. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) receiving eight 90-minute behavioral activation therapy sessions or a control group (n = 20) receiving no intervention. Data were collected using the BDI, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze outcomes. Results: The behavioral activation intervention significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms and improved general health in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). These benefits persisted at the two-month follow-up, indicating sustained therapeutic effects. Conclusions: Behavioral Activation is an effective intervention for alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms while enhancing general health in young adults with depression. These findings support its broader integration into clinical practice to improve patients’ well-being comprehensively.