An examination of the effects of a model for teaching of optimism by storytelling on depression of children

Abstract Storytelling is an indirect method for introducing a framework for education, improving self concept and efficiency, and unifying separate experiences in children and young adults. Therefore, it can affect their health. This study was conducted to examine the effects of the storytelling model of teaching optimism on depression in grades 4 and 5 primary school children, a quasi-experimental design (two groups with pretest, posttest and follow-up test) was used. The research instrument used was the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CED-DS; Weissman and Orvaschell, 1980). The subjects were selected from students who volunteered to participate in the storytelling workshop. The participants were matched in two groups according to their results in the pretest. 32 students were assigned randomly to either a control or an experimental group. Storytelling teaching was carried out the experimental group for 12 sessions. Post tests were conducted after two weeks and follow-up tests were administered to participants after six months. Results showed that changes in children's style effects their depression and the teaching of optimism using the storytelling model reduces depression in children. The follow-up study showed that, this effect continued after six months. Therefore, this storytelling model can result in a relatively effective reduction in depression of children.