Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of Culturally Adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression Among Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The present pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for depression among young adults. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was used. Six young adults, N=6 with moderate depressive symptoms, were recruited from university settings. Participants received culturally adapted BCBT, and outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using Beck Depression Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, Stress subscale of DASS, and Flourishing Scale, all were in Urdu version. Descriptive statistics, internal consistency estimates, and paired-samples t tests, feasibility, and acceptability were analyzed. Findings showed successful recruitment and retention of the targeted pilot sample, complete session adherence, no missing assessment data, and positive participant engagement. Paired-samples t tests indicated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress, along with a significant increase in psychological well-being from pretest to posttest. The findings support further evaluation of the intervention in a larger controlled study.