Graduation Year

2014

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Evelyn M. Parrish

Department Affiliation

Nursing

Second Advisor

Beverly Hart

Department Affiliation

Nursing

Third Advisor

Catherine Lynn Velotta

Department Affiliation

Nursing

Abstract

Background: College is a major transition in the lives of many young adults. As early as 1997, Sax reported that stress and depression were on the rise among college students and that 9.7% of college freshmen experienced depressive symptoms. Mental health treatments are often geared to children or older adults.

Objective: The objectives of this project were to (a) assess levels of anxiety and depression in identified at risk college students; (b) implement a new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention; and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on students’ levels of anxiety and depression and satisfaction with the intervention.

Design: A one group pre and post-test was used. Results: The COPE project demonstrated improvement in depressive and anxiety symptoms in 100% of the project population as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory II and the State -Trait Anxiety Inventory. There were both statistical and clinical significance shown at the conclusion of the seven sessions.

Conclusion: COPE is an effective tool for the young adult population to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Implementation of evidenced based programs into the college experience could lead to less severe depression and anxiety.

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