A Pilot Study of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression in a Japanese Community

Aims: This pilot study investigated the effect and feasibility of a group cognitive behavioural therapy program in a Japanese community setting.

Methodology: Participants were five patients with major depression. Ten weekly 1-hour sessions of group cognitive behavioural therapy was conducted in a Japanese community setting. Outcomes were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Statistical comparison of means was performed using nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test using normal approximation, and effect sizes (d) was used to compare depression scores before and after the intervention.

Results: Group cognitive behavioural therapy appears to be significantly efficacious in a Japanese community setting, with an effect size of .85. The present results are similar to those found in clinical settings.

Discussion: Adapting group cognitive behaviour programs to Japanese community settings can contribute to improved mental health in this country. The limitations of this study are the sample size was very small, measurement is self-reported questionnaire and conducted in a community setting as an uncontrolled, naturalistic pilot study. Controlled studies are needed and would provide a more convincing demonstration of the program’s efficacy in Japanese community settings.