The effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy on first year college students with heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, and lack of assertiveness are among the top five impediments to successful academic performance (American College Health Association, 2005). College freshmen who report mental health difficulties were targeted and invited to participate in group counseling sessions, the efficacy of which has been demonstrated (Folger, Carter, & Chase, 2004). The freshman groups, led by counselors in training and supervised by licensed psychologists, focused on psychoeducation concerning depression, anxiety, and assertiveness training. This study investigated whether psychoeducation combined with interpersonal processing enhanced first-year college participants coping skills, thus decreasing mental health problems and improving freshmen retention. In conclusion, it is important to understand why some students experience a smooth transition to college while others struggle or are not able to make the same smooth transition. This investigation will hopefully direct educators towards developing time-specific intervention programs that target students' individual needs, and ultimately generate better outcomes such as greater satisfaction with university life and higher retention rates (Becker, 2008).