Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Economically Distressed Migrants

Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK120 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of an 8-session, culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT) compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in reducing suicidal ideation among economically distressed migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates. Participants (N=120) were randomized to receive Brief CBT or TAU. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, and 3-month follow-up.

Economically distressed migrant workers face high psychosocial stress, resulting in increased suicidal ideation. This study examined the effectiveness of culturally adapted Brief CBT in addressing suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, stress, and financial distress compared to standard treatment resources provided as usual.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

120

Conditions

Suicidal Ideation Depression Anxiety Financial Stress

Interventions

Brief Cognitive Behavioral TherapyBEHAVIORAL

Participants received an 8-session culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention targeting suicidal ideation, psychological distress, and financial stress. Therapy included crisis stabilization, cognitive restructuring of maladaptive thoughts related to economic hardship, behavioral activation, problem-solving skills for financial and psychosocial stressors, and emotion-regulation training. It concluded with relapse prevention planning and connection to supportive community resources. Sessions were delivered weekly, either individually (60 minutes) or in groups (90 minutes), based on participant preference.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 to 65 years. * Migrant worker residing in the UAE with a valid work or residence visa. * Experiencing significant economic distress (score of ≤40 on the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale - IFDFW). * Presence of suicidal ideation, defined as a score ≥1 on the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS). * Able to communicate effectively in English, Arabic, or Tagalog. * Willing and able to provide informed written consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute psychosis, severe substance dependence, or immediate suicide risk requiring hospitalization. * Cognitive impairment limiting therapy participation. * Currently engaged in structured psychotherapy for depression or suicidality.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Reduction in Suicidal Ideation Severity (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation; BSS)

Change in the severity of suicidal ideation as measured by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), a 19-item clinician-rated scale that assesses suicidal thoughts, plans, and wishes during the past week. Scores range from 0 to 38, with higher scores indicating greater suicidal ideation severity.

Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks (mid-treatment), 8 weeks (post-treatment), and 3-month follow-up