The Effect of a Group Counseling Program on Depression and Suicidal Prevention in High School Students

Kim, Young Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a group counseling program on high school students'depression and suicidal ideation.
METHODS
This research was conducted as a quasi-experimental pretest and posttest control and experimental group methodological comparison study. The subjects were 25 high school students (Exp = 12, Cont = 13) in U City. The depression and suicide prevention program in this study was based on the Ellis' ABC Model. The experimental group participated in the program through eight sessions, but the control group did not receive treatment. Data were collected from November 4 to November 28, 2008, and analyzed using the SPSS/WIN program by frequency, Mann-Whitney, means, standard deviation and Wilcoxon signed rank test.
RESULTS
There was statistically significant difference in depression (z = -2.983, p = .003) between the two groups. Suicidal ideation also decreased significantly (z = -2.847, p = .004) in the experimental group.
CONCLUSIONS
After the eight sessions of the group counseling program for preventing depression and suicidal ideation, it was found that the program was effective to lower the score of depression and suicidal ideation. The results of this study suggest that a school-based prevention program for adolescents should be developed according to depression and suicidal ideation level.