The Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Suicidal Ideation and Despair Among Individuals With a History of Suicide Attempts: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Suicide and suicide attempts are critical indicators of psychological well-being within societies, influenced by various factors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy represents a prominent intervention for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and despair, offering potential alleviation of depressive symptoms. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on suicidal ideation and despair among individuals with a history of suicide attempts.

METHODS

This single-blind experimental study was conducted in 2022 in Iran. In this study, a total of 60 individuals with a history of recent suicide attempts who were discharged from teaching hospitals affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to two intervention (30 people) and control (30 people) groups. Data were collected at three time points before, 1 month after, and 3 months after the intervention using a demographic questionnaire, Beck Suicidality Scale (BSSI), and Beck Hopelessness Questionnaire (BHS). The intervention group received eight sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, while the control group did not receive any intervention.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance revealed a significant distinction in mean scores of suicidal ideation and despair between the intervention and control groups ( < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons based on the Bonferroni test also showed that there was a significant difference between the mean baseline score of suicidal ideation and hopelessness and the mean scores after the intervention, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention ( < 0.001). However, this difference was not significant in the control group ( = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy within the intervention group, resulting in notable improvements in suicidal ideation and despair symptoms. Consequently, cognitive-behavioral therapy, through mechanisms such as acceptance, mindfulness, present-focused awareness, non-judgmental observation, and avoidance of cognitive distortions, holds promise in reducing suicidal ideation and despair among individuals with a history of suicide attempts.