Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Skills Group on an Ethnically Diverse Campus

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a brief cognitive behavioral skills group in reducing anxiety, depression, and worry among a sample of low-income predominantly ethnic minority college students. Students were assigned to a skills group (N = 54) or a wait-list control group (N = 30). Students completed assessment at preintervention, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed model analyses revealed significant interaction (time × condition) on all outcome variables, although there were different patterns for each dependent variable. Results support the use of a brief cognitive behavioral skills group among low-income predominantly ethnic minority students to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and worry.

Keywords:

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• college students
• ethnic minorities