Effectiveness of happiness training program on self-esteem and depression of elementary(10-11 year old) school children

• Main Authors: Farahnaz Shakehnia, Behrouz Behrouz, Mehran Farhadi, Shole Amiri, Behzad Behrouz
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Birjand University of Medical Sciences and Health Services 2013-08-01
• Series: Journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences
• Subjects: Happiness training program; Depression; Self-esteem; Children
• Online Access: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-928-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1
• ISSN: 1607-2197; 2423-6152

Background and Aim: Children with low self-esteem are ready to suffering from depression and depression effects on life quality and educational function   Thus, the present research was done with the aim of a happiness training program effectiveness in decreasing depression symptoms, its dimensions,and self esteem of children. Materials and Methods: A quasi- experimental study with a control and a training group, covering pre-testing and post-testing, was conducted on 30 elementary school students of the first educational division of Isfahan city in 2012.The subjects had the appropriate properties of the research and were randomly selected using purposive method based on the criteria . and Interventions included 5 weekly 60 minute group sessions teaching happiness to children and 7 weekly 40 minute group sessions for mothers.   In order to assess the children’s depression and self-esteem, CDI and RSS were applied pre and post-interventionally. The obtained data was analysed by SPSS software (V:16) employing descriptive statistics and one-variable co-variance at the significant level ……………….. .   Results: Happiness training programs had significant effects on the decreasing of total depression symptoms, negative mood,, interpersonal problems, anhedonia, negative self-esteem, and children’s self-esteem of the experimental group (P0.05).Interactive effect of gender and group membership on self-esteem and depression was also not significant   Conclusion: Happiness teaching programs can decrease depression symptoms n and increase children’s self-esteem.Therefore, it is necessary to take these programs into account while employing other depression treatments.