Abstract:

Depression is a serious and common psychiatric illness negatively affecting the individual’s social problem solving ability. This study aimed at determining the efficacy of interpersonal therapy (IPT) based group social work intervention on the levels of depression and social problem solving ability of women diagnosed with major depression. The study used an embedded mixed method research design where greater weight has been given to quantitative data and the qualitative data was embedded. The quantitative phase of the study consisted of a quasi-experimental study based on pretest-posttest model with comparison group. Then, qualitative phase was used to elaborate on the experiences of women regarding their diagnosis and treatment and how depression affects their social problem solving ability. The intervention group consisted of 12 participants and the comparison group consisted of 10 participants. The intervention group received pharmacotherapy and IPT whereas the comparison group received pharmacotherapy only. The posttest measurements have shown that the intervention group achieved siginifcantly lower depression and higher social problem solving scores. The qualitative follow up analysis supported the quantitative findings. The findings indicated that group IPT has positive effects on the levels of depression and social problem solving ability of patients with major depression.

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