TTĐA. Psychological intervention for a high school student with symptoms of depression

INFORMATION ABOUT MASTER'S PROJECT

1. Student's full name: Nguyen Thi Khanh 2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: November 8, 1992

4. Place of birth: Hung Yen

5. Student recognition decision No. 4058/QD-XHNV dated December 28, 2022 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process:

Extend the study period by 6 months (according to Decision No. 6934/QD-XHNV dated December 29, 2024 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi to June 28, 2025).

7. Project title: Psychological intervention for a high school student with symptoms of depression.

8. Major: Clinical Psychology (applied orientation)

Code: 8310402

9. Scientific advisor: Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thu Huong

Working unit: Department of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

10. Summary of project results:

The study has summarized the concepts, definitions, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders according to DSM-5. In addition, the study also describes an overview of depression in high school students, including epidemiological studies on the status, consequences, causes, characteristics, and generalization of depressive manifestations in high school students. Through these overviews, we can clearly see the relationship between emotions, behaviors, and functional impairment in students with depressive symptoms.

The study reviewed a number of supportive interventions for depression, systematized the theoretical basis of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and demonstrated the effectiveness of therapy for depression in adolescents, including high school students.

The results of the intervention showed that at the end of the session, the client had progressed in terms of emotions, cognition, and behavior. In terms of functional activities, the client had improvements such as: regular exercise, going out, being active with family work and school activities, communicating with family and friends. In terms of emotions, the client had positive improvements such as: having stress management skills to help reduce stress, being happy and reducing anger and irritability. In terms of cognition, the client had acceptance and positivity towards himself and the world around him. The positive changes showed the suitability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the psychological difficulties that the client encountered. This is also similar to the results of previous studies showing that adolescents can benefit a lot from cognitive behavioral therapy for psychological difficulties at this age.

11. Practical application:

From the results obtained through the literature review, it can be seen that the rate of mental health problems among school-age children is increasing. Notably, the rate of depressive disorders is increasing among high school students in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular. The project has contributed further evidence that intervention for depressive disorders using cognitive behavioral therapy is effective. Focusing on mental health support for students in schools and families is important and urgent. In particular, there is a need for regular and timely support to prevent psychological difficulties leading to depressive disorders and support students to deal with the effects caused by depressive disorders. At the same time, the limitations of the project also provide additional information for clinical practitioners, lessons to increase the effectiveness of future treatment.

12. Further research directions: None

13. Published works related to the project: None

INFORMATION ON PROJECT

1. Full name: Nguyen Thi Khanh

2. Sex: Female

3. Date of birth: November 8^th, 1992

4. Place of birth: Hung Yen

5. Admission decision number: 4058/QD-XHNV dated December 28, 2022 of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in academic process:

Extended the study period by 6 months (according to Decision No. 6934/QD-XHNV dated December 29^th, 2024 of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, to June 28^th, 2025.

7. Official project title: Psychological intervention for a high school student with depressive symptoms.

8. Major: Clinical Psychology (Applied orientation)

Code: 8310402

9. Supervisors: Associate Professor, PhD. Tran Thu Huong (Working at Faculty of Psychology, VNU-University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi)

10. Summary of the project's findings:

The study provides a general literature review of the concepts, definitions, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria of depressive disorders according to the DSM-5. In addition, the study also describes the state of depression among high school students, including epidemiological studies on its prevalence, consequences, causes, and general characteristics in this age group. Through these overviews, we can clearly see the relationships between emotions, behaviors, and functional impairments in students with depressive symptoms.

The study has discussed some supportive strategies for depression, systematized the theoretical basis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and pointed out its effectiveness in treating depression among adolescents, including high school students.

The results of the intervention showed that, at the end of the therapeutic sessions, the client had progressed in terms of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects. In terms of functional activities, the client demonstrated improvements such as: regular exercise, going out, active participation in household tasks and school activities, and enhanced communication with family and friends. Emotionally, the client showed positive changes, including improved stress management skills, reduced stress, increased happiness, and decreased irritability and anger. Cognitively, the client exhibits greater self-acceptance and a more positive outlook toward herself and the world around her.

These positive changes indicate the suitability of CBT to address the client's psychological difficulties. This is also similar to the results of previous research findings showing that adolescents can greatly benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychological challenges at this age.

11. Practical applicability, if any:

From the findings obtained through the literature review, it can be seen that the prevalence of mental health problems among school-aged children is steadily increasing. Notably, the rate of depressive disorders is rising among high school students in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular. This project has contributed further evidence supporting the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an intervention for depressive disorders. These findings highlight the importance and urgency of providing mental health support for students within both school and family settings. In particular, consistent and timely interventions are essential to prevent psychological difficulties that may lead to depressive disorders and to support students in coping with the consequences of such conditions. Additionally, the limitations of the project also provided additional information for clinical practitioners, lessons to increase the effectiveness of future treatment.

12. Further research directions, if any: None

13. Study-related publications: None