Pragmatic evaluation of the viability of CCBT self-help for depression in higher education

Abstract

This study explores the potential of a computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) self-help programme for depression within the context of a Higher Education Counselling Service. It seems timely to consider the place of evidence-based alternatives to the face-to-face counselling traditionally provided in higher education with user choice in mind. There is also a need to cater for increasing numbers of students experiencing a wide range and severity of emotional difficulties, sometimes resulting in long waiting periods for help. In the study twelve depressed students used the CCBT programme ‘Beating the Blues’™. Ten (83.3%) participants completed the programme. Initial credibility of and expectancy-for-improvement from the intervention was high. Significant reductions in depression scores were found following completion, whilst anxiety scores changes were not significant. Feedback on the programme was largely positive. CCBT was clearly preferred to face-to-face counselling by some participants, supporting the need for a choice of interventions for students. These results suggest that CCBT may be an acceptable and effective intervention for a number of depressed students. It is argued that CCBT may be a viable addition to current provision in Higher Education Counselling Services and that further studies are required to investigate this further.

Keywords:

• Self-help
• CCBT
• depression
• stepped-care
• higher education