The Efficacy of Adapted Interpersonal Psychotherapy in the Context of COVID-19 on Individuals' Depression, Epidemic Anxiety, and Life Satisfaction Levels

Authors : Esra Noyan Ahlatcıoğlu, Gökben Hizli Sayar

Pages : 23-49

Doi:10.69514/sosyalsaglik.1678253

View : 22 | Download : 32

Publication Date : 2025-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adapted interpersonal psychotherapy model for acute crisis (IPT-AC-CV19) in reducing depression and epidemic-related anxiety, and in improving life satisfaction among individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Thirty-three participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 16), which received an eight-week online interpersonal psychotherapy program, or a control group (n = 17), which received weekly check-in calls without structured therapy. Depression, anxiety, and general psychological health were assessed at pretest and posttest using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Epidemic Disease Anxiety Scale (EDAS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Results: Although between-group differences did not reach statistical significance (p > .05), the intervention group demonstrated notable within-group improvements, including a large effect size for depression reduction (Cohen’s d = 1.52). Conclusion: These findings suggest that short-term, online-adapted interpersonal psychotherapy may hold clinical relevance for alleviating psychological distress under crisis conditions, despite statistical limitations. Future studies should employ larger samples, extended treatment durations, and blended delivery formats to better evaluate its therapeutic potential.
Keywords : COVİD-19, Kişilerarası Psikoterapi, Depresyon, Salgın Kaygısı, Yaşam memnuniyeti

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