EFFICACY OF COMPASSION FOCUSED THERAPY (CFT) IN TREATING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) in the treatment of anxiety and depression among young adults aged 18 to 25. In particular, the review seeks to examine the prevalence and impact of these emotional disorders in this population, assess therapeutic outcomes of CFT, and explore its relevance and applicability to young adult mental health. A systematic search was conducted across major electronic databases to identify relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and empirical research that met predefined inclusion criteria. Ten studies were selected for analysis. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, ensuring methodological rigor. The findings indicate that CFT produces statistically significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression among young adults. Furthermore, participants receiving CFT demonstrated improvements in self-compassion, emotional regulation, and overall psychological well-being. The evidence suggests that CFT is a promising and effective intervention for the treatment of anxiety and depression in young adults. The findings support further exploration and integration of CFT into counseling practices targeting young adult populations, particularly in culturally diverse settings.