Internet-Based Depression Prevention in Adolescents: A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

Review question/objective To synthesize and update research evidence related to Internet-based depression prevention in adolescents and investigate the effectiveness of the interventions. The specific questions are: 1. What is the design of Internet-based interventions for depression prevention in adolescents? 2. What are the outcomes of utilizing Internet-based interventions for depression prevention in adolescents? Inclusion criteria Types of participants Participants will include adolescents aged 15-19 years, who are defined as high risk for depression by the following definitions: 1) stressful life atmosphere: parental or maternal depression, serious conflicts in the family, negative parental rearing behavior, 2) depressive symptoms and mild score of depression. Types of intervention(s) Interventions of interest will be depression prevention in adolescents that involve Internet-based interventions. The focus of the interventions may be described as, but will not be limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive restructuring, psychosocial skills training, resilience, self-esteem enhancing, problem solving and coping skill interventions. The comparator will be compared to adolescents who have not received any depression prevention or have received non-internet-based interventions. Types of outcomes The primary outcomes of interest are the differences in hopelessness, depressive symptoms, negative thinking, effective coping, problem solving skills, and receiving social support between the experimental interventions and the control. Instruments used to measure these outcomes include the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D).