Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD Student in Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2
Masters Student of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
3
Professor, Department of counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
4
Professor, Department of psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
5
Master's degree in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Major depression is a psychological disorder that negatively impacts students' academic performance and other key aspects of their lives. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Emotional Regulation Training (CERT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on executive functions, cognitive load perception, and feelings of loneliness in students with major depression in Ardabil city.
Method: The research design was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, and control groups. Forty-five students diagnosed with major depression and referred by psychological counseling centers were selected through available sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: CERT intervention, tDCS intervention, and control group. Data were collected using the Executive Functioning Scale, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, and Short Form of the Social-Emotional Loneliness Scale. The data were analyzed using factorial analysis of covariance and Tukey’s post-hoc test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Controlling for pre-test effects, both experimental groups showed a significant impact on executive functions compared to the control group. Post-hoc analysis revealed that CERT was more effective than tDCS in improving executive functions. Regarding cognitive load perception and feelings of loneliness, only CERT had a significant effect, while tDCS did not show a significant impact.
Discussion and Conclusion: Cognitive Emotional Regulation Training had a more significant and positive effect than Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on executive functions in students with major depression. However, tDCS did not have a meaningful impact on cognitive load perception or feelings of loneliness.
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