Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Executive Functions, Perceived Burden, and Loneliness in Students with Major Depression

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Master's student in clinical psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

4 Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

5 Master of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychological condition that can negatively impact students' academic performance and various aspects of their lives. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Training (CERT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on executive functions, perceived burdensomeness, and loneliness in students with MDD in Ardabil.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest measures and a control group. A total of 45 students diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), referred by psychological counseling centers, were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two intervention groups (CERT and tDCS) and a control group. Data were collected using the Coolidge Executive Function Inventory (CEFI), the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), and the Short Version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale (SELSA-S). Data analysis was performed using factorial ANCOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test.
Results: The results indicated that CERT had a significant effect on executive functions (P < 0.001, η² = 0.888), perceived burdensomeness (P < 0.001, η² = 0.776), and loneliness (P < 0.001, η² = 0.858). However, tDCS had a significant effect only on executive functions and did not show a significant impact on perceived burdensomeness or loneliness.
Conclusion: CERT demonstrated a greater and more meaningful impact on executive functions compared to tDCS. However, tDCS did not have a significant effect on perceived burdensomeness or loneliness.

Keywords

References

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