ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze effects of a problem-solving program on problem-solving ability, self-esteem, and depression for middle school girls with depression. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was designed with a nonequivalent control group pre-post test. The research participants were middle school girls (N=82; experimental group=32, control group=50) whose CES-D score was higher than 24. The problem solving program consisted of 10 sessions (90 min/session) was composed of introduction, problem orientation, problem solving skills, case application, and ending. The outcomes were measured by the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R), Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSE), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly higher levels of problem solving ability (t=3.10, p=.003) and lower depression levels (t=-2.60, p=.011) than the control group after completing the program. The levels of self-esteem of the experimental group were improved after the program but the changes in self-esteem were not reached to the significant levels when compared with those of control group (t=1.64, p=.104). CONCLUSION: Based on this study, problem-solving program is very effective to middle school girls with depression. Therefore, providing problem-solving program as an intervention to promote mental health of adolescents with depression should be considered.