SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING TO REDUCE DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS

The efficacy of Structured Learning Therapy (SLT) in treating adolesce nt depression was evaluated. SLT treatment focuses on developing socia l competencies, self-evaluation skills, and appropriate affective expr ession. Eighteen adolescents, aged 14-19 years, prescreened for depres sion were randomly assigned to the SLT treatment or control group. All subjects participated in six biweekly 60-minute sessions. Pre-, post, and follow-up assessments on depression, self-esteem, and personality measures were conducted. Results suggest that SLT reliably reduced de pression in males (p < .05) and maintained their improved level of fun ctioning (p < .02). Female treatment subjects did not improve signific antly. Results suggest differential effectiveness of treatment across gender.