Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Group for Left-behind Older Parents With Depression

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group for left-behind older parents with depression. Method: Using a quasi-experimental research design with a three-arm study, participants with depression ( n = 17) and participants without depression ( n = 13) received the same eight-session CBT group covering the skills of acceptance and commitment therapy in addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU), that is, interest classes and leisure activities, while the control group ( n = 5) received TAU. Results: 3 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures of ANOVA showed that the CBT group for left-behind older adults with depression, as compared with the control group, showed a significantly greater improvement in depression (Cohen's d = 1.0), stress (Cohen's d = 1.1) and subjective well-being (Cohen's d = 0.7). Conclusion: The study results support the feasibility and efficacy of the CBT group for left-behind older adults with depression.