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Lightbox therapy for college students' depressive symptoms: a pilot study
Meina Zhang1, Patrick Rossmann2, Caitlin Guist1
1University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|June 17, 2025
Summary
Light therapy (LT) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in college students. Most participants reported improved mood and symptom alleviation, suggesting LT as a viable intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- College students experience high rates of depressive symptoms.
- Light therapy (LT) is a non-pharmacological intervention for mood disorders.
- Understanding LT's efficacy and adherence barriers in this population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of LT on depressive symptoms in college students.
- To identify barriers to adherence for LT in this demographic.
- To assess the feasibility of LT as an intervention for student mental health.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 207 college students (mean age 22.5 years).
- Participants used a lightbox daily for an average of 45 days.
- Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) pre- and post-therapy.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in depressive symptoms was observed (p < .0001).
- 96.5% of students reported LT improved their mood and alleviated symptoms.
- Participant feedback identified potential adherence barriers.
Conclusions:
- LT shows promise as an intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in college students.
- Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted.
- Addressing time management and brightness concerns may improve LT adherence.
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