Sadra Medical Journal

The Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation Therapy on Interpersonal Sensitivity, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support in Students with Major Depressive Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe 1
Forough Esrfilian 1
Hadis Taghdiri 2
Vahid Savabi Niri 3
Faranak Saeedi Moghadam 4

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Garmsar Branch, Garmsar, Iran

3 Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran

4 Department of General Psychology, Payame Noor University of Zarrinshahr Branch, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2025.102904.1541
Abstract
Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental disorders among university students, with serious implications for their psychological well-being and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of behavioral activation therapy on interpersonal sensitivity, self-esteem, and perceived social support in students with MDD.
Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of the university students in Tehran Province in 2023. A sample of 34 students with MDD was randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=17) or a control group (n=17). Data collection instruments included standardized questionnaires for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, self-esteem, and perceived social support. The experimental group received 10 sessions of behavioral activation therapy, each lasting 60 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS software (version 27).
Results: The findings indicated that behavioral activation therapy led to a significant reduction in interpersonal sensitivity, including its components of interpersonal awareness, need for approval, separation anxiety, shyness, fragile inner self, and a significant increase in self-esteem and perceived social support in students with MDD (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Behavioral activation therapy could serve as an effective intervention for reducing interpersonal sensitivity and enhancing self-esteem and perceived social support in students with MDD. It is recommended that counselors and psychotherapists in university settings incorporate this therapeutic approach to improve students’ mental and social health.

Keywords

Behavior Therapy
Sensitivity Training Groups
Self Concept
Social Support
Depressive Disorder, Major
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 494-508

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