Effectiveness of Activity Scheduling on Loneliness Negative Cognitions among Patients with Depression

Dhanya G., Mariamma P Alexander

Abstract: Background: Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, characterized by persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, social withdrawal and lack of interest in activity. Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted emotional state characterized by perceived lack of social connection. Negative cognitions are unfavourable thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that can contribute to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of activity scheduling on loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression, to determine the correlation between loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression and to find out the association of loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression with selected variables. Methods: The research design selected for the study was pre-experimental one group pretest post-test design. Patients diagnosed with depression attending psychiatric OPD were screened by using Zung's self-rating depression scale and patients who were having mild to moderate depression (50-69) were selected as study participants. Total 48 samples were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using socio personal data sheet and clinical data sheet, Revised UCLA loneliness scale and Automatic thoughts questionnaire. The data were tabulated and analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study results shows that scores of loneliness and negative cognitions in pretest were reduced in post-test. The present study revealed that activity scheduling was effective in reducing loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression. It was also depicted that there was statistically significant moderate positive correlation between loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression. There was no statistically significant association found between loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression with selected variables. Conclusion: This research provides evidence for supporting the effectiveness of activity scheduling in reducing loneliness and negative cognitions among patients with depression. The study highlights the fact that by promoting engagement in meaningful activities, individuals can break the cycle of social isolation and negative thinking which may reduce their depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Depression, Loneliness, Negative cognition, Negative thought, Activity scheduling

How to Cite?: Dhanya G., Mariamma P Alexander, "Effectiveness of Activity Scheduling on Loneliness Negative Cognitions among Patients with Depression", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 313-322, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251229172525, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251229172525