Effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on anxiety and depression symptoms in university students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an individual cognitive-behavioral intervention ondepression and anxiety symptoms in undergraduate students of a Mexican university. Participants andmeasurement. Depression and Anxiety Beck Inventory was completed by 55 students. As a result 35% ofthe students were experiencing depressive symptoms in a moderate level, 3% were located as severe, and 25% presented severe anxiety symptoms. Seventeen students completed the cognitive-behavioral treatment.Results. Wilcoxon test found statistically significant differences pretest-postest. In all cases there was areduction of anxiety symptoms (p = .001) and 14 cases showed a significant reduction in depressivesymptoms (p = .01). The study also presents data supporting the clinical significance of the study.Conclusion. It confirms the importance of assessing and treating symptoms of depression and anxiety toprevent behavioral problems in young people.