Abstract: Objective: To construct and apply an exergame intervention program, providing a reference for clinical psychological nursing and rehabilitation of adolescents with depression. Methods: Based on the behavioral activation theory, the exergame intervention program was developed through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and the Delphi expert consultation. From October 2024 to February 2025, a convenience sample of 72 adolescents with depression was recruited from a tertiary grade A psychiatric hospital in Guangzhou and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group, with 36 cases in each group. The control group received conventional treatment and nursing, while the intervention group received exergame intervention program on the basis of the control group. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Short Form (BADS-SF), Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) and Hamilton Depression Scale-17 Items (HAMD-17) before and after the intervention. Results: The final intervention program consisted of 9 themes and 42 measures. After 3 weeks of intervention, the BADS-SF scores, behavioral activation dimension scores and SEE scores in the intervention group [32.83±6.54, 23.72±5.64, 37.00(31.25, 50.75)] were significantly higher than those in the control group [25.81±5.72, 18.06±6.13, 24.50(15.75, 41.75)] (P<0.05). Conclusion: The intervention program of exergame based on behavioral activation theory has a positive effect on promoting the behavioral activation level and enhancing the exercise self-efficacy of adolescents with depression, which can provide a reference for clinical psychological care of this population.

Key words: adolescents; depression; behavioral activation theory; exergame; construction of program; application of program