Efficacy of Group CBT on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms of Women Affected By Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

There is evidence from research that CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) can be useful in treating anxiety and depression in women who have endured intimate partner violence. CBT has been used to treat mental health problems in Pakistan. However, this evidence-based intervention has not been used to help victims of domestic violence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depressive symptoms of women affected by intimate partner violence. It was hypothesized that (a) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy delivered in a group format as well as (b) as self-helpwould reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and that (c) group CBT would be more effective as compared to self-help manual in reducing the level of anxiety and depression. For the present study,200 participants were randomly selected from shelter homes in Karachii, Pakistan. Baseline assessments consisted of demographic information and screening for anxiety, depression and domestic violence. Participants were equally dividedinto two groups; treatment and the control. Participants in the treatment group received ten CBT sessions while self-help manual was provided to the control group. End of therapy assessments were conducted four months from the baseline. Statistical analyses were carried out using Statistical Package for Social sciencesv22(SPSSv22). Both parametric and non-parametric tests were conducted. While CBT was found to be useful both in group and self-help format, the group intervention was more effective as compared to the self-help. These findings suggest that CBT can be helpful in reducing depression and anxiety in victims of domestic violence. Further research needs to be conducted to explore cost-effectiveness of these interventions.