Motivational Psychotherapy for Adolescent Depression

This randomized controlled pilot trial evaluated the effectiveness of Motivational Psychotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms and improving academic self-concept among adolescent girls in Iran. A total of 30 participants aged 13-17 years were randomly assigned to either the Motivational Psychotherapy group or a no-intervention control group.

The intervention consisted of 8 weekly individual sessions (60 minutes each) based on a manualized Motivational Psychotherapy protocol, adapted for adolescents in a non-Western context. The sessions focused on resolving ambivalence, enhancing intrinsic motivation, and strengthening environmental support.

Outcome measures included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for depressive symptoms and the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire (ASCQ) for academic self-concept. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA to control for baseline differences between groups. The results showed significant improvement in depression scores and academic self-concept in the intervention group compared to the control group, supporting the feasibility and cultural relevance of Motivational Psychotherapy for adolescent mental health.

Inclusion criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Female adolescents aged 13 to 17 years
• Clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate depression based on DSM-5 criteria
• Currently enrolled in middle or high school
• Informed consent obtained from parents/legal guardians and assent from adolescents

Exclusion criteria

• Severe depression requiring urgent psychiatric care
• Diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis)
• Ongoing psychotherapy or psychotropic medication use
• Significant cognitive or developmental disability interfering with participation

Exclusion criteria

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