Factors affecting the effectiveness of the approaches used in psychotherapy when addressing depression among young adults at teachers’ colleges in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study looked at the characteristics that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy treatments used to treat depression in young adults in Zimbabwean teachers’ colleges. The study used a mixed research approach and a post-positivism paradigm. Concurrent triangulation was employed in the design. Data was gathered through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The sample included 206 people: 180 students, 2 vice principals, 2 deans of students, 13 department heads, 1 chaplain, and 8 counsellors. Tables with figures and percentages were used to code and analyse quantitative data. As substantiating data, qualitative data was analysed using content and thematic data. The study’s findings revealed that a lack of educated personnel, funding, material resources, attitudes, and environmental variables such as poor ventilation, noise, and unwanted disturbances all had a detrimental impact on the success of depression treatment procedures. The study advised that the current procedures be improved by providing/hiring more trained counselling experts, providing enough financing, obtaining material resources, developing positive attitudes, and providing a conducive environment. The study also recommended that stakeholders create a policy outlining expectations and practices that may improve the effectiveness of psychotherapy treatments.

Keywords:

Depression, stress, psychotherapy, coping, college student, aggressive behaviour, counselling, suicide, adolescents, Zimbabwe.