University of Twente Student Theses

Wat is de effectiviteit van de cursus ‘’Op verhaal komen’’ in het verminderen van depressieve klachten en algemene psychische klachten en in het verbeteren van positieve geestelijke gezondheid ten opzichte van de minimale interventie en de wachtlijstgroep?

Elfrink, Teuntje (2011) Wat is de effectiviteit van de cursus ‘’Op verhaal komen’’ in het verminderen van depressieve klachten en algemene psychische klachten en in het verbeteren van positieve geestelijke gezondheid ten opzichte van de minimale interventie en de wachtlijstgroep?

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Abstract:	Background Nowadays, depression is a common health issue. One out of five inhabitants of the Netherlands is suffering from depression or has ever suffered from depression. The presence of mild to moderate mental health problems is the biggest risk factor for developing a depressive disorder. This research is aimed at treating these psychological symptoms in order to avoid a depression. The preventive intervention in this study is based on ‘’Op verhaal komen’’, a self-help book with elements of narrative and life-review therapy. During the course, participants are supported via e-mail by a counselor. The research question is: ‘’What is the effectiveness of the self-help course ‘’Op verhaal komen’’ in reducing complaints of depression and general psychic/mental complaints and in increasing positive mental health with respect to the minimal intervention and the waiting list?’’ Methods After the screening, 174 respondents with mild to moderate psychological symptoms were randomized to three conditions: the intervention group ‘’Op verhaal komen’’, the minimal intervention group ''Expressief Schrijven’’ and the waiting list group. The intervention consisted out of seven weeks with questions and assignments, which participants had to complete within 10 weeks. During the course, they were supported via e-mail by one of the five counselors. The baseline measurement t0 was immediately prior to the intervention and the t1 measurement immediately after the intervention. The effects were measured by scores on self-report questionnaires with outcomes of depression (CES-D), anxiety (HADS-A), positive mental health (MHC-SF) and psychopathology (BSI). Results The intervention group showed a significantly stronger decrease than the waiting list group in depressive symptoms and symptoms of psychopathology. In addition, the intervention group showed significantly greater increase than the minimal intervention group in psychological well-being. All three conditions showed a decrease in anxiety symptoms. Conclusion This study confirms that ‘’Op verhaal komen’’ is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and general psychological symptoms compared to a waiting list group. In addition, the intervention is effective in improving psychological well-being, compared with the minimal intervention. The intervention seems almost similar effective as the minimal intervention in the other outcomes. It is possible that the effects of the intervention remain stronger in the long-term than those of the minimal intervention.
Item Type:	Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	77 psychology
Programme:	Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/60997
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