The effect of gratitude-based intervention program on depressive symptoms and gratitude level

Depression is a mental health disorder with a high prevalence worldwide. Gratitude intervention programs are known to reduce depression. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of the Gratitude Based Intervention Program (GBIP), developed by the researcher, on the depressive symptoms and gratitude level of adults aged 18-40 with depressive symptoms. Among the applicants of the study, 132 participants meeting the criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental (N=66) and control (N=66) groups. 4-week GBIP was applied in the experimental group, and no intervention was applied to the control group. Participants' level of depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and gratitude levels were measured with the Gratitude Scale (GS) at three time points; before the intervention (pre-test), at the end of the intervention (post-test), and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention (follow-up test). The data of the participants were analyzed by analysis of variance and t test. The findings showed that GBIP significantly reduced depressive symptoms and significantly increased gratitude in the experimental group. In addition these improvements were maintained at the 4 weeks follow-up measurement. The depressive symptom and gratitude levels of the control group did not differ significantly at any measurement point. The results are in line with with the research hypotheses and the literature. This study contributes to the relevant literature in terms of methods that can be used in the treatment of depression.