Comparing the Effectiveness of Positive Psychology-Based Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Depressive Symptoms in Nurses

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses are at high risk of depression due to the challenging nature of their work, long shifts, and constant exposure to stressful situations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive psychology-based therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on depressive symptoms among nurses in Yazd.

Methods: This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The population included all nurses working in public and private hospitals in Yazd in 2025 (n=2/991). A total of 60 nurses were selected using cluster random sampling and were randomly assigned to cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology-based therapy, or control groups (20 per group). Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory–II (1996) and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS version 26.

Results: Both interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms at posttest and follow-up (p<0/001). Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant effects of time (η²=0/42), group (η²=0/31), and time × group interaction (η²=0/23). Pairwise comparisons indicated that CBT had a greater effect in reducing depressive symptoms than positive psychology-based therapy (F=7/80, p=0/009; η²=0/23).

Conclusion: Psychological interventions, particularly CBT, are effective in improving nurses’ mental health and producing sustained reductions in depressive symptoms.