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    "doi": "10.2196\/76028",
    "status": "found",
    "title": "Efficacy of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Online Self-Help Group for Depression and Suicide Ideation: Randomized Controlled Trial",
    "authors": [
        "Minkyung Yim",
        "Haeun Kim",
        "Soo-Eun Lee",
        "Eunjin Jo",
        "Ji-Won Hur"
    ],
    "container": "JMIR mHealth and uHealth",
    "year": "2026",
    "doi_url": "https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2196\/76028",
    "is_open_access": true,
    "oa_status": "gold",
    "best_landing_page": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/42397953",
    "best_pdf": "https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC13331252\/pdf\/mhealth-v14-e76028.pdf",
    "abstract": "Background: Despite the high prevalence of depressive disorders, access to effective treatment remains limited due to financial, geographic, and social barriers. Online self-help groups offer a promising and scalable form of peer-based support beyond traditional clinical settings. Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation into self-help groups may enhance their effectiveness. Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy-based online self-help group (COS) that integrates structured CBT techniques with peer-led group support as a low-intensity intervention for individuals with depressive symptoms. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing COS with a CBT-based mobile application was conducted. Additionally, a separately recruited waitlist control group was included as a supplementary comparison condition. Methods: Participants were recruited online. After eligibility screening via a structured clinical interview, participants were randomly assigned to a COS group (n=79) or a CBT-based mobile application group (n=39). An additional waitlist control group (n=48) was recruited separately during the second phase of the study. The COS intervention involved 7 videoconferencing sessions that incorporated peer-led group discussions, sharing lived experiences, and core CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring. The primary outcome measure was depressive symptoms, assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the secondary outcome was suicidal ideation, estimated using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, measured at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate group × time interaction effects. Reliable change indices were also calculated to assess clinical significance. All statistical tests were 2-tailed. Results: Among participants assigned to the COS group, 61% (48\/79) completed all 7 sessions, and 84% (66\/79) attended 5 or more sessions. A significant time × group interaction was observed for depressive symptoms (F4,288.47=7.23, P<.001). The COS group exhibited a substantial reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline to postintervention (t285.76=10.77, two-tailed; P<.001), with a large within-group effect size (d=1.38); this improvement was maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Suicidal ideation also significantly decreased in the COS group (t277.11=4.55, two-tailed; P<.001), with sustained effects at follow-up. Clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms, as defined by the reliable change index, was observed in 75% (56\/75) of COS participants. While both the COS and app-based CBT groups achieved comparable reductions in depressive symptoms, only the COS group demonstrated a significant reduction in suicidal ideation. Conclusions: This RCT provides evidence that a structured, CBT-informed online self-help group can reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. The COS program offers a scalable, accessible alternative to traditional therapy, particularly in settings with limited access to mental health professionals.",
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            "source": "PubMed Central",
            "landing_page_url": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/42397953\/",
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            "source": "DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)",
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            "url": "https:\/\/mhealth.jmir.org\/2026\/1\/e76028",
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