Research on Problem-Solving as a Tool for Managing Depression in Teens

A study published in PLOS ONE looked at how well problem-solving (PS) works for young people with depression. Researchers reviewed past studies to see if teaching problem-solving skills could help prevent or treat depression in teens and young adults.

They found that some studies showed PS helped lower depression and even thoughts of suicide, but the results were not the same across all groups.

Problem-solving seemed to work best when used on its own to treat people already struggling with depression, but it was less consistent when used as part of a bigger program or for prevention.

The researchers also noted that the mixed results may be due to issues such as small study sizes, short follow-up times, and variations in how the programs were implemented.

This study is especially important because more and more teens and young adults are struggling with depression, and symptoms are showing up at younger ages.

Understanding the Research

The goal of this study was to find out if teaching problem-solving (PS) skills can help prevent or treat depression in teens and young adults.

The researchers wanted to look only at studies that focused on PS itself, not therapies like CBT or DBT that include PS but also use many other techniques. This way, they could see the unique effects of PS.

They searched three major databases — PsycInfo, Medline, and the Cochrane Library—for studies published after the year 2000. They also checked other sources like grey literature websites, reference lists, and even reached out to experts and authors. The first search was done in June 2020 and updated in June 2022.

To be included, studies had to meet these rules:

• The treatment used problem-solving as the main method (or included it clearly).
  
• The goal was to treat or prevent depression.
  
• Participants were between the ages of 13 and 25.
  
• At least one depression outcome was measured.

These were the findings:

• Problem-solving worked most effectively when used on its own with young people already experiencing depression by helping reduce symptoms and even suicidal thoughts.
• However, when PS was used for prevention programs (before depression developed), the outcomes were less consistent, with some small positive effects, although many studies showed little to no long-term benefit.
• When PS was part of a larger program, results were mixed, possibly because the focus on PS was diluted.
• Because therapies like CBT (which also use PS) were excluded, only English-language studies were reviewed, and there were few high-quality studies, the conclusions are limited.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Professional support is needed when depression is present in a child, but remember that you can also create opportunities at home to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

Here are a few ways to start:

Watch for warning signs and seek professional help

If your teen shows signs of depression, reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. Pay attention to persistent sadness, withdrawal from friends, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, trouble concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or talk of self-harm.

Feel free to read our articles on depression in children and depression in teens for more guidance.

Give real opportunities to practice problem-solving

Introduce simple steps like defining the problem, brainstorming ideas, choosing a solution, and reflecting on how it worked. Give your teen chances to try problem-solving with everyday challenges, like managing their schoolwork or planning activities.

You can also help them practice solving problems related to feelings of sadness or stress, such as identifying ways to cope when they feel down or finding healthy ways to handle negative thoughts.

Praise effort, not perfection

Giving your teen encouragement helps them feel capable. This may protect against or reduce feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem that accompany depression. Also, remember to check in regularly about how they’re feeling, and reinforce that it’s okay to ask for help when things feel overwhelming.

The researchers are also suggesting that future studies should track details — like how often PS is practiced, the dosage, and timing — to better understand what works, for whom, and in what situations.

To support your teen in practicing problem-solving and managing depressive symptoms, consider using our Depression Worksheets.