The relationship between Solution Focused Therapy, Basic Needs Deprivation and Depressive Symptoms: Case study

Abstract

This case study examines the relationship between depression and basic needs deprivation, while also evaluating the effectiveness of short-term Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Participants met criteria for severe depressive symptoms, assessed through clinical interviews and the PHQ-9 questionnaire (≥15 points). The study utilized the Basic Needs Scale, based on William Glasser’s Choice Theory (Glasser,1998), to measure five fundamental needs: survival, love and belonging, power and control, freedom, and fun. Participants rated their need satisfaction on a 10-point scale before and after a five-session SFBT intervention. Therapy followed the Solution-Focused Art Gallery model (George, Iveson, & Ratner, 1999) and the Solution-focused therapy Plus model (Hjerth, 2008). Sessions were conducted both online and in person. Results were analyzed to assess symptom improvement and changes in need satisfaction. Findings provide promising preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of SFBT in addressing depression, though further research with larger samples is needed for generalization.