Efektivitas Empty Chair Therapy dalam Menurunkan Gejala Depresi Pada Istri Yang Berduka Kehilangan Suami

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of empty chair therapy in reducing depressive symptoms among a wife experiencing bereavement following the loss of her husband. The study employed a single-case experimental design (A–B–A) involving a 28-year-old woman who had lost her husband one year prior and was presenting with depressive symptoms. Depression severity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II) across the initial baseline, intervention, and final baseline phases. The results demonstrated a consistent reduction in depressive symptoms across phases. During the initial baseline phase, the participant obtained a BDI-II score of 35, which was categorized as severe depression. Following the intervention phase, the score decreased to 31 and remained within the severe range, indicating a reduction in symptom intensity. Two weeks after the final therapy session, the BDI-II score further decreased to 21, corresponding to moderate depression. Clinically, this quantitative improvement was accompanied by positive changes, including reduced feelings of guilt, increased acceptance of the loss, improvements in sleep and appetite, greater engagement in daily activities, and a more optimistic outlook toward the future. These findings suggest that empty chair therapy facilitated the expression of previously inhibited emotions, contributed to the resolution of unresolved emotional conflicts, and supported a more adaptive integration of the loss experience.