A Feasibility Study of Psychological First Aid Versus Dialectal Behavioral Intervention in Undergraduate Students With Suicide Risk: A Comparative Crossover Randomized ControlledTrial

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT06825351

Alexandria University70 enrolled

Overview

his feasibility study aims to compare the effectiveness of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) interventions in reducing suicide risk among undergraduate students. The study employs a crossover randomized controlled trial design, allowing participants to experience both interventions at different times.

Suicide risk among undergraduate students is a pressing mental health concern, exacerbated by academic pressures and social isolation. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a supportive intervention designed to reduce distress and foster coping in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. Conversely, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that focuses on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. This study explores the feasibility and effectiveness of these two interventions in a university setting.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Suicidal Ideation

Interventions

Psychological First Aid versus Dialectal behavioral InterventionBEHAVIORAL

PFA is an immediate, supportive intervention aimed at helping individuals in distress. It focuses on providing emotional support and practical assistance in the aftermath of a crisis. Key Components: Safety and Comfort: Ensuring that participants feel safe and secure in their environment. Active Listening: Engaging in empathetic listening to validate participants' feelings and experiences. Assessment of Needs: Identifying immediate needs and concerns, including emotional and practical aspects. Information and Resources: Providing clear information about available resources, such as mental health services and coping strategies. Encouragement of Social Support: Guiding participants to connect with friends, family, or support groups.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 27 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Participants in this feasibility study must be undergraduate students aged 18-25 years who are identified as at risk for suicide based on a validated screening tool. They must be currently enrolled in a degree program, able to provide informed consent, and proficient in English. Exclusion Criteria: Individuals with severe mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), those in acute crisis requiring immediate intervention, current substance abuse issues, significant cognitive impairments, prior experience with DBT or similar therapies within the last year, and physical health conditions that could complicate participation.

Locations (1)

South Valley Committee

Qina, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale

It is a brief and reliable tool for assessing the severity of suicidal ideation over the past month, was developed by Van Spijker et al, (2014). It comprises five items that evaluate the frequency of suicidal thoughts, the level of control over these thoughts, proximity to a suicide attempt, the distress caused by the thoughts, and their impact on daily functioning.

Time frame: 3 months

The Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form

It is a 10-item scale to evaluate attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Responses are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more favourable attitudes and lower stigma associated with mental illness

Time frame: 3 months

Perception of Academic Stress Scale

It was developed by Bedewy, D., \& Gabriel, A. (2015), to measure sources of academic stress among university students. PAS IS an 18-item, 5-point Likert-type questionnaire designed, with a higher score indicating higher academic stress.

Time frame: 3 months

The Brief Resilience Scale

It is a six-item self-report measure designed to assess resilience by Smith et al. (2008), specifically focusing on an individual's ability to bounce back or recover from stress. Unlike other resilience scales emphasizing resources or traits promoting resilience, the BRS directly evaluates recovery and adaptability following stressful events.

Time frame: 3 months

The Self-Compassion Scale

It was developed by Dr. Kristin Neff, is a widely recognized tool designed to measure self-compassion, which encompasses being kind and understanding toward oneself in times of difficulty.

Time frame: 3 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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