The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Depression Levels in Adolescents from the Perspective of Big Five Personality Traits

Adolescence experience various changes characterized by significant transformations in physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological aspects, which can influence depression. Depression is a common mental disorder among adolescents and adults, marked by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and somatic symptoms like fatigue, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances. Personality traits play a crucial role in shaping how individuals think and behave, influencing their susceptibility to depression. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in alleviating depression among adolescents, considering the influence of the big five personality traits. The population for this study consists of 170 students from SMPN “X.†The sampling method used is purposive sampling, with a determined sample size of 114 students, aged 12-18 years. This study employed an experimental method with a pre-experimental design, using a one-group pre-test and post-test approach. The instruments used were the Depression Scale and BFI-II, with validity and reliability scores of 0.924 and 0.914, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using the paired sample t-test and kruskal wallis test. the paired sample t-test results showed an asymp. sig. (2-tailed) value 0.05, or 0.104 > 0.05, indicating no significant differences in depression level reduction among adolescents with the personality traits of neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness. Based on the findings, it is recommended that schools implement CBT-based interventions as part of mental health programs to help reduce depression in adolescents. Additionally, future studies should examine whether personalized CBT approaches tailored to specific personality traits could enhance the effectiveness of therapy.