Efficacy Of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In Treating Ptsd And Depression Among Students In Selected Universities In Goma, Democratic Republic Of Congo.

Ushindi Josue Muderhwa, Ph.D., Candidate in Clinical Psychology; Naomi James, Ph.D., Daystar University; & Caroline Mrukunga, Ph.D., University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract                                                                                               

Psychological well-being is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life of university students. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues reported among students although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could also be high in situations where students have been exposed to traumatic events in their lives such as in war-torn Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in treating PTSD and depression among university students in Goma, DR Congo. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design targeting 488 university students aged between 18 and 25 years who had symptoms of PTSD and depression.  Consecutive sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, PTSD Scale for DSM-5(PCL-5) and LEC Self-Report instrument over a twelve-week intervention period at baseline, midline and end line, and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS Version 22. It was evident from the findings that TF-CBT was effective in the treatment of trauma related PTSD and depression among the university students in the DR Congo. TF-CBT was more efficacious than the alternative TAU applied in treating PTSD (p=0.000) and depression (p=0.000).  It is therefore, recommended that mental health professionals can adopt this intervention in their practices because of the available evidence-based studies that have proven this approach to be effective.

Key words: PTSD, Depression, Trauma-related, TF-CBT, University Students