The Effectiveness of an Imagery-Based Behavioral Activation Intervention for Depressive Symptoms

Background: Behavioral activation treatment (BAT) is an evidence-based treatment for depression. However, depressive symptoms can make it difficult to engage in activities crucial for the success of behavioral activation. Mental imagery may assist with activity engagement. This study examined the effectiveness of imagery-based BAT (BAT-I) compared to standard BAT in reducing depressive symptoms and improving behavioral activation, activity anticipation, activity motivation, and activity completion rates.Methods: Thirty adults with moderate to severe depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either the BAT-I or BAT groups. The participants received eight sessions of twice-weekly BAT intervention, with an additional four-eight mental imagery sessions provided for the BAT-I group.Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that participants in both groups showed reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in behavioral activation, activity anticipation, and activity motivation. However, the BAT-I group demonstrated significantly higher activity motivation (6.1＞ 5.1) and activity completion rates (93.17%＞66.18%) than the BAT group.Conclusions: While use of imagery appears to support activity engagement, further research is needed to explore how imagery can be utilized to enhance the BAT effectiveness.