Effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy (based on core mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation components) on depressive symptoms in university students

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on depressive symptoms through improves their mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. In this semi-experimental study, 20 subjects with depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)≥14) were identified from the students of Ferdowsi University and Mashhad Medical Sciences University (during 2008-2009) using convenience sampling and then were randomly assigned in experimental and control group. For experimental group, DBT manual was performed in 8 sessions while control group subjects were not given treatment. Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) used to assess clients before and after treatment. Follow- up evaluation was performed one month later. Data were analyzed by Repeated measures analysis of variance and Paired-samples T test. The results indicated the efficacy of DBT in decreasing depressive symptoms (P<0.001), with significant increasing in indexes of mindfulness (P=0.001) and distress tolerance (P<0.05). However subjects in experimental group did not show significant decreases in emotion regulation index in comparison of control group. The subjects in experimental group had retained the improvements in one month follow-up. The results suggest that DBT can decrease some depression symptoms through effecting on mindfulness and distress tolerance components.