Adolescents’ Experiences in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Overcoming Depression: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Depression is a common mental disorder in adolescents and can have a significant impact on their emotional, social, and academic well-being. One method that has proven effective in dealing with depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, the subjective experience of adolescents in undergoing this therapy is still not widely researched in depth. This study aims to explore how adolescents perceive and experience CBT as an effort to cope with depression, the factors that affect the success of therapy, and the long-term impact of therapy on their psychological well-being. The method used in this study is a literature study with a phenomenological approach. Data sources come from academic journals, scientific articles, and books that are relevant in the last five years. The data were analyzed using content analysis methods and phenomenological hermeneutics to understand the pattern of adolescents' experiences in undergoing CBT. The results of the study showed that adolescents experienced various challenges in the therapy process, including difficulties in building a therapeutic relationship with therapists, limited access to therapy services, and internal barriers such as low motivation and resistance to mindset changes. However, factors such as social support, therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs, and the use of technology in CBT have been shown to improve the effectiveness of therapy. The long-term effects of therapy include improved coping skills, better emotional resilience, and improved ability to manage stress and life pressure.