Cognitive Group Therapy Based on Schema-Focused Approach for Reducing Depression in Prisoners Living With HIV.

Group/Peer Support

April 2021

Full Citation

Jalali, F., Hasani, A., Hashemi, S., Kimiaei, S., & Babaei, A. (2019). Cognitive Group Therapy Based on Schema-Focused Approach for Reducing Depression in Prisoners Living With HIV. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 63(2), 276–288. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X18784185

Abstract

Depression is one the most common mental disorders in prisons. People living with HIV are more likely to develop psychological difficulties when compared with the general population. This study aims to determine the efficacy of cognitive group therapy based on schema-focused approach in reducing depression in prisoners living with HIV. The design of this study was between-groups (or "independent measures"). It was conducted with pretest, posttest, and waiting list control group. The research population comprised all prisoners living with HIV in a men's prison in Iran. Based on voluntary desire, screening, and inclusion criteria, 42 prisoners living with HIV participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (21 prisoners) and waiting list control group (21 prisoners). The experimental group received 11 sessions of schema-focused cognitive group therapy, while the waiting list control group received the treatment after the completion of the study. The various groups were evaluated in terms of depression. ANCOVA models were employed to test the study hypotheses. Collated results indicated that depression was reduced among prisoners in the experimental group. Schema therapy (ST) could reduce depression among prisoners living with HIV/AIDS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)